The death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has left the nation in mourning, and his supporters have expressed an overwhelming desire to honor his memory. However, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has called on party supporters to avoid crowding Raila’s Karen home, which has become inundated with mourners.
Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following his arrival from India, where the late Raila passed away, Sifuna made a heartfelt request to the ODM supporters, urging them to respect the privacy of the Odinga family during this difficult time. He pointed out that Mama Ida Odinga, Raila’s widow, had been overwhelmed by the sheer number of people seeking to console the family.
Sifuna further emphasized that the space around Raila’s Karen home could not accommodate the large number of supporters who were coming to mourn. “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 said, addressing the public.
Alternative Mourning Points Set Up for ODM Supporters
To address the growing crowd, Sifuna mentioned that discussions were underway among the ODM leadership to establish designated points for supporters to mourn Raila Odinga, away from his residence in Karen. He encouraged mourners to participate in these initiatives, ensuring that they could still pay their respects without overcrowding the family’s home.
“We understand the love, and 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 added, hoping to create a dignified space for all those who wanted to share in the grief.
Government and ODM Delegation to Facilitate Repatriation
Sifuna is part of a high-level delegation that includes government officials, ODM leadership, and family members, tasked with overseeing the repatriation of Raila’s body from India. The delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, also includes Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hassan Joho (Mining), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
This delegation was dispatched following a request from the Kenyan government to their Indian counterparts to assist in facilitating Raila’s return. According to President William Ruto, the Kenyan government has worked closely with India to ensure the smooth transportation of the late leader’s body back to Kenya.
A State Funeral and Final Resting Place for Raila Odinga
In his address, President Ruto also assured the public that Raila Odinga would be accorded a state funeral with all the necessary honors, acknowledging his immense contribution to Kenya’s political landscape. “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,” President Ruto said.
Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, in India, after suffering a suspected heart attack during a morning walk with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor. He was quickly rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was later declared dead.
As the nation prepares for Raila’s final journey, Sifuna’s request to avoid overcrowding the Karen home reflects a deeper call for respect and dignity, honoring Raila’s legacy in the most fitting way possible.
