President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 15, visited the Karen home of the late ODM Raila Odinga to condole with his family following the former Prime Minister’s death.
Photos from the visit showed Ruto in the company of Mama Ida Odinga, where he offered his message of sympathy and support to the grieving family.
The two were seen engaging in a heartfelt conversation as the Head of State paid his respects to the fallen opposition leader.
Ruto was accompanied by several top government officials and political leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.
Also present during the visit were Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Karachuonyo MP Andrew Adipo, and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga’s son, Jaoko Oburu, among other close allies and family members.
Following the condolence visit, Ruto convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council to deliberate on national matters in light of Raila’s passing.
He is also expected to chair a special Cabinet meeting later in the day.
Raila, who served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister and led the ODM for decades, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80.
He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, India.
Raila was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where doctors pronounced him dead at 7:22 a.m.
Earlier, Raila’s supporters flocked to his Karen residence following reports of his death.
According to videos, a large number of vehicles were parked along the road leading to the former Prime Minister’s home.
Scores of his supporters, many on foot, could be seen making their way to the residence while waving tree twigs and blowing vuvuzelas.
Several mourners could be heard wailing, while police officers, some on foot and others on motorbikes, were deployed to maintain order as crowds continued to gather outside the Karen compound.
The news of Raila’s passing drew outpouring of condolences, as leaders, allies, and citizens reflect on his contribution to democracy and governance.
Lawyer Willis Otieno paid tribute to Raila’s unmatched influence on Kenya’s political landscape, describing him as the most consequential politician of the modern era.
“Raila Amolo Odinga was, without doubt, the most consequential politician in Kenya over the last three decades. His shadow loomed large over every political transition, every national conversation, and every democratic milestone,” he noted.
He continued, “He will be missed at many levels, as a political disruptor, a relentless reformist, a builder of movements, and a symbol of stubborn hope. On the political landscape, he departs leaving few enemies, some loyal allies, and many orphans whose identities were anchored in his cause.”
Former Chief Justice David Maraga said he was deeply saddened by the death of a man he described as a patriot and a transformative leader.
“I am shocked to learn of the demise of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa. Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country. Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security and development. The world has lost a great leader.
“During these difficult times, I pass my deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, to the people of Kibra Constituency, who he represented for many years, to the people of Siaya County, where he hails from and to all of us Kenyans. May the Lord comfort us all as we deal with this enormous blow,” he said.
From the international community, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also sent a message of condolence on behalf of his government.
“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace,” he stated.
Activist Boniface Mwangi joined in mourning the ODM leader, describing his death as the end of an era while expressing hope for a new generation of leadership.
“My condolences to the Raila Odinga Family. Mzee amepumzika. His watch is over. What gives me hope is that last year a generation that will liberate Kenya from the shackles of bad leadership and corruption was born. Viva the revolution, viva,” he stated.
