State House opens condolence books in honour of Raila Odinga
By Joel Masibo, October 16, 2025The State House has officially opened the condolence book for mourners to pay their last tributes to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India.
Shortly after leading the nation in public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, President William Ruto rushed to the State House, Nairobi, to open the signing of the condolence book on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025. This is one among other activities laid out by the government to reflect on the life and times of Raila Odinga.
Earlier, Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta united at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marking a rare moment of national unity amid grief. The Kenya Airways flight carrying Odinga’s body touched down a few minutes past 9:30 a.m., drawing large crowds of mourners, supporters, and well-wishers who had gathered to pay their respects.
Ruto announces Raila’s passing
In a sombre address to the nation on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga, President Ruto announced to the nation the passing of Raila Odinga, describing him as a foremost statesman.
“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.”
“Kenya, Africa, and the world mourn the passing of giants of democracy and tireless warriors of good governance,” he said.
Ruto stated that Raila’s legacy in Kenya will forever remain etched in the history of the nation for his decade-long pursuit of justice and equity.
“Raila’s name will be forever etched in the story of our republic. A story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit of excellence,” he added.
President William also declared seven days of national mourning in honour of the late opposition leader, directing that flags fly at half-mast across the country and in all Kenyan missions abroad. Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at his Bondo home in Siaya County on Sunday, October 19, 2025.