President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning to honor the late Raila Odinga.

While addressing the nation from the State House on October 15, President William Ruto described Raila Odinga as a pioneer of Kenyan politics and a steadfast champion of democracy.

He said Raila championed the reforms that Kenyans hold dear and that his vision helped shape the course of the country’s history.

“In honour of Raila Odinga, I have declared 7 days of national Mourning,” Ruto said. During the period of mourning, the Kenyan flag will be flown at half-mast across the country and at all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad.

Ruto hailed him as a once-in-a-generation leader — a giant in Kenya’s democratic landscape and a true statesman.

Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at an Ayurvedic eye hospital and research center in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

He died at 80 years old.

According to reports, he suffered cardiac failure during his morning walk on the hospital campus. President William Ruto has declared a period of national mourning lasting seven days to honor the memory of those who have passed away. President William Ruto has declared a period of national mourning lasting seven days to honor the memory of those who have passed away.