By Dennis Musau, NAIROBI Kenya
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has announced a seven-day national mourning period for the late Raila Odinga, during which the Kenyan flag will be flown at half-mast in honour of the former Prime Minister who died on Wednesday morning in India.
In a televised afternoon address at State House, Nairobi, Ruto announced that the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader will be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours.
“We have lost one of Africa’s greatest leaders, a giant of democracy, a fearless fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance,” Ruto said.
“Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our Republic: A story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit for excellence.”
Ruto described Odinga as a patriot who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice in Kenya, and whose ideals transcended politics.
“In his passing, we have lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain; an unceasing servant of the people who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya,” the President said.
“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection.”
A committee organising the former PM’s burial will be led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Odinga’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
At the same time, the president announced that the Indian government had offered to facilitate the repatriation of Odinga’s remains at the request of Kenya’s government.
“A delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation,” he said.
The 80-year-old passed away after collapsing in the Indian city of Kochi, where he had been under treatment for an undisclosed illness.
No comments:
Post a Comment