ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has urged party supporters to avoid gathering at former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Karen residence following reports of his passing.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Sifuna said Mama Ida Odinga was overwhelmed by the large number of supporters showing up to offer their condolences.
The Nairobi Senator mentioned that the party was in discussions with various delegations to establish designated mourning centers where those wishing to pay their respects to ‘Baba’ — as Raila was fondly known — could do so without visiting the family home in Karen.
“We know how much you love Mzee, but when we came from Karen home, it has been overrun and overwhelmed. The space can’t accommodate all the number of people who want to condole,” he stated.
“I want to make a special request as ODM SG, our people must stop going to Mama Ida’s house because she’s there alone and overwhelmed. We understand the love, in fact, the discussions amongst the leadership are that we need to set up points for people who want to mourn Raila, it doesn’t have to be Karen.”
Sifuna is part of a delegation comprising government officials, party leaders, and family members set to travel to India to coordinate the repatriation of Raila Odinga’s body.
The delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, includes Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hassan Joho (Mining), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, among others.
This follows a proclamation by President William Ruto, who announced that the Indian government, at Kenya’s request, had agreed to facilitate the repatriation process.
President Ruto further stated that the former Prime Minister will be accorded a state funeral with full honours.
“In consultation with the family, a committee to be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and my brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements,” Ruto stated.
Raila died on Wednesday in India, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition.
Reports from the Indian authorities indicated that the former PM was taking a walk with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor when he collapsed and was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he passed away.
