President William Ruto this morning led the nation in paying last respects to former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Parliament Buildings, where his body lay in state before being moved to the Nyayo National Stadium for a national memorial service.
President Ruto, who arrived at Parliament Buildings accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, was joined by leaders from both Houses of Parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly, alongside members of the Judiciary, Cabinet Secretaries, security chiefs, and other senior government officials in viewing the body of the late statesman.
The late former Prime Minister, aged 80, suffered cardiac arrest on Wednesday, October 15, during his routine morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Medical Centre in Kerala State, India. He was administered first aid before being transferred to Devamatha Hospital for specialized medical attention but was pronounced dead at around 9 a.m.
Among the dignitaries who gathered at Parliament Buildings to honour Raila were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Cabinet Secretaries, security service heads, and members of the Odinga family, including his children Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Junior, as well as his siblings Senator Oburu Odinga and Ruth Odinga.
After viewing the body, President Ruto and the First Lady signed the condolence book and extended their sympathies to Raila’s family, including his bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, who was visibly emotional during the ceremony.
The body departed Parliament Buildings at 9:22 a.m. for the national memorial service at Nyayo National Stadium.
A funeral procession is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Kisumu and Siaya counties, followed by a state burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Kan’go Ka Jaramogi family home in Bondo, Siaya County.
The late Raila leaves behind his widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and their children, Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Junior, and Winnie Odinga.
By Bernadette Khaduli
