President Ruto has declared a 7-day national mourning period for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in India. Emergency National Security Council and Cabinet meetings were convened, and parliament sessions adjourned. The government has suspended the NYOTA verification exercise. Tributes are pouring in from leaders, with Mama Ida Odinga addressing the public. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has appealed for calm.
Following the news of Raila Odinga's passing, supporters gathered at his Karen residence where grief reportedly turned to politically charged chants. The large gatherings led to overcrowding and reports of chaos. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, speaking from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, appealed to supporters to cease gathering at the house. Mama Ida Odinga also addressed the public, apologizing for the chaos at their home as supporters and leaders gathered to pay respects. During a condolence visit from the German Ambassador at her Karen home, Ida described her late husband as "half-German".
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, leader of the ODM party, passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment in India. Following his death, articles have highlighted his extensive career which spanned over five decades. One piece compiles some of his most memorable quotes touching on themes of freedom, corruption, leadership, and his personal political struggles. Another story highlights Raila Amollo Odinga as a master of political reconciliation in Africa. It is noted that his "handshakes" have historically reshaped Kenyan governments and calmed political tensions.
Kuunda, a B2B fintech startup, has successfully closed a $7.5 million pre-Series A funding round to expand its financial inclusion initiatives across Africa and the MENA region. In a separate funding announcement, fintech startup Jahazii closed a $400,000 pre-seed funding round, comprising equity, debt, and grant financing. This investment will enable Jahazii to develop Africa's workforce operating system, integrating HR, payroll, and embedded financial services. The company's goal is to promote financial inclusion across the continent. Additionally, Triply has partnered with Verto to offer seamless cross-border payment solutions for Africa’s travel sector. This partnership aims to streamline financial operations for the sector's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
![President Ruto addresses the nation following sudden death of Raila Odinga [Full Address]](https://static.theonlinekenyan.com/news_images/President-Ruto-addre_1760526338-16x9.jpg)
The government has spent 34.4 billion shillings on fiber-optic expansion. CAK celebrated a tribunal ruling upholding 287.9 million shillings in penalties against steel firms for price-fixing. NCBA's valuation hit 124 billion Kenyan Shillings on merger talks. Cotton lint value is up 70% due to record output and prices.
Kenya mourns the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, 80, who passed away in India after a cardiac arrest. Cities are at a standstill as citizens grieve. Separately, former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua, 29, has also passed away after battling mental health issues.
Harambee Stars face Ivory Coast tonight in a World Cup Qualifier. Kenyan boxers aim for glory at the Africa Zone Three Championships in Nairobi. Shujaa's Safari Sevens win boosts promotion hopes, while golfer John Lejirma plans to turn pro after the 2026 Magical Kenya Open. KCB Golf Tour winners named in Kakamega and VetLab.
President Ruto signed the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raising digital freedom concerns, and the VASP Bill, 2025, to regulate crypto. Meanwhile, Transsion dominates East African smartphone sales with its affordable brands, and Vivo's OriginOS 6 (Android 16) is launching globally.
President William Ruto has declared a seven-day national mourning period following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in India from cardiac arrest. President Ruto convened emergency National Security Council and Cabinet meetings, and parliament sessions were adjourned. The government has also suspended the NYOTA verification exercise. Tributes are pouring in from leaders including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and India's PM Modi, with Mama Ida Odinga addressing the public amidst large crowds at their Karen home. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has appealed for calm as Kenyans mourn the veteran politician.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80 in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk. President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning and convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council. Tributes came from international figures, including US officials and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed Odinga as a “cherished friend of India.” Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also mourned his passing. In response to the death, the government postponed the NYOTA verification exercises and the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference. Odinga's body is at a morgue in India awaiting repatriation, and his burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19.
The Kenyan government has invested Sh34.4 billion to expand its fiber-optic network across the country, aiming to enhance digital connectivity and e-government services. In addition to digital infrastructure, progress is being made in local renewable energy projects. In Kitui County, a new Sh3.6 million solar-powered borehole has been commissioned at Kitui Teachers Training College, providing over 2,500 residents with access to clean water. This project, implemented by the Kenya Pipeline Foundation, aims to enhance health and economic growth. Concurrently, North Horr MP Adhe Wario is urging the government to accelerate the development of wind power projects in Marsabit County, highlighting the region's untapped potential for meeting national energy goals.
Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has died at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in India. His passing on Wednesday, October 15, was attributed to a cardiac arrest, which occurred after he collapsed during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic facility in Kerala. Profound shock and national grief have gripped Kenya, bringing major cities like Nairobi and Kisumu to a standstill as citizens mourn. Known affectionately as “Baba,” Odinga was a prominent and enduring figure in Kenyan politics. His four-decade career was marked by a relentless fight for constitutional reforms and multi-party democracy.
Following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning. Speaking from State House Nairobi, President Ruto announced that Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral. The President lauded Odinga as a leader who significantly fought for Kenya. In a national address, President Ruto delivered details following the reports of Raila Odinga's sudden death. This decision to grant a state funeral highlights the national importance of Odinga’s contributions.
Deputy President Kindiki announced the schedule for Raila Odinga's funeral rites. A public viewing of Raila's body will be held at Parliament on October 16th. A state funeral service for Raila Odinga will then take place at Nyayo Stadium on October 17. DP Kindiki also announced that the burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19. The DP is chairing the inaugural National State Funeral Committee meeting to coordinate the arrangements. This followed DP Kindiki addressing Raila Odinga's wish to be buried within 72 hours.
Sources from Raila Odinga's office confirmed his death, as reported by NTV Kenya. Another report from NTV Kenya announced the passing of Raila Odinga in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment. A KTN News Kenya report stated that Raila Amolo Odinga passed away in India due to a heart attack. Global leaders have joined Kenyans in mourning his passing, lauding him as a pillar of democracy.
Kenyan boxers are in Nairobi for the Africa Zone Three Boxing Championships, where they aim to win the overall title from defending champions, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tournament begins tomorrow, with the Kenyan team leveraging home advantage. In another sport, Kenya Shujaa successfully defended their Safari Sevens title at Nyayo National Stadium on October 12, 2025. This victory has boosted their confidence for the upcoming 2025-2026 World Rugby Sevens Series Division Two. Additionally, the Kenya Harambee Stars football team will face Ivory Coast tonight in Abidjan at 10 PM Kenyan time. The match is a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier where Kenya, though out of contention, can influence the outcome of Group F.
