‘He engaged openly and honestly’: top US official mourns Raila
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch led early tributes from Washington, describing Odinga as a leader who “engaged openly and honestly on every aspect of the US-Kenya bilateral relationship and was a true friend to America.” - Kenya breaking news ..
✨ Key Highlights
The United States has joined Kenya and the international community in mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at 80 in Kochi, India. US officials lauded him as a courageous democrat and a steadfast friend of the United States.
- President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning and announced a State Funeral with full honors.
- The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch praised Odinga's dedication to peace and freedom across Africa.
- The Government of India has offered to facilitate and cover the repatriation of Odinga's remains to Kenya.
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Raila Odinga Dies at 80 in India; Kenya Declares 7-Day Mourning Period - October 2025
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.
