The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially broken its silence following the death of its party leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Through a press statement signed by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and shared on its official X handle, the party encouraged the Odinga family and supporters to remain united and strong during this difficult moment.
“This morning, we have received the dreadful news of the passing of our party leader and icon, the Rt Hon Raila Odinga, in India, while undergoing treatment. The party and the entire country are in deep shock following the news,” read part of the statement.
Sifuna, writing on behalf of the ODM Party, described Raila as “a beacon of hope in a world filled with despair.”
He added that the late former Prime Minister had been Kenya’s leading political figure for at least three decades, nurturing democratic ideals and inspiring generations of leaders.
“The Rt Hon Odinga has been the leading political figure in this nation for at least three decades, at whose feet democratic ideals have been nurtured and political careers grown.
“He will remain a true giant of our nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans for his unwavering fight for justice and firm stand on freedom for all,” Sifuna said.
In the heartfelt statement, ODM urged its members and supporters across the country to observe the week in unity and reflection as they mourn their leader.
“While we process this adverse news and await further updates, I urge all party members to observe the week in unity and rally together as we reflect on the life and times of our leader, a man who has been mentor and father to all, hence the moniker, ‘Baba,’” Sifuna added.
He further said the party will work with the family to plan Raila’s funeral arrangements, assuring that regular updates will be shared in due course.
“We shall be providing regular updates in conjunction with the family as Baba’s funeral rites are planned. May Baba’s soul find deserving rest in heaven,” the statement concluded.
Earlier, President William Ruto officially confirmed Raila’s death in a televised address from State House, Nairobi.
Flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, the Head of State declared seven days of national mourning and ordered all flags to fly at half-mast across the country and in all Kenyan missions abroad.
“Fellow citizens, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing of Rt Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister and Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” President Ruto said.
He hailed Raila as “a beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy,” adding that his legacy will forever be remembered in Kenya’s history.
Raila Odinga, who served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, died aged 80 at an Ayurvedic eye hospital and research centre in Kerala, India.
His passing has plunged the nation into mourning, with thousands of Kenyans gathering at his Karen and Bondo homes to pay their respects.
