President William Ruto has confirmed that the government has sent a high-level delegation to India to oversee the repatriation of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s body following his death in Kerala, India.
Addressing the nation from State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Ruto paid tribute to Raila as “one of Kenya’s most influential leaders”, noting that his decades-long contribution to democracy and governance would remain a cornerstone of the nation’s history.
“Fellow citizens, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister, Kenya’s foremost statesman, and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” Ruto said.
The President announced that Raila will be accorded a state funeral and declared seven days of national mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast across Kenya and at all embassies abroad.
Ruto described Raila as a “giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance”, saying his ideals transcended political divides and inspired generations across Africa.
Delegation Sent to India
Ruto revealed that the Government of India has agreed to facilitate the repatriation process and that a delegation of senior government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, had departed for India to coordinate logistics and preparations.
“A delegation comprising government officials and family members led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is leaving immediately for India to facilitate the proper organisation of the repatriation of our brother, the Honourable Raila Odinga,” Ruto said.
The delegation includes:
- Musalia Mudavadi – Prime Cabinet Secretary & Foreign Affairs CS (Head of Delegation)
- Kipchumba Murkomen – Interior Cabinet Secretary
- Hassan Joho – CS for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
- Kimani Ichung’wah – National Assembly Majority Leader
- Junet Mohammed – National Assembly Minority Leader
- Mama Ida Odinga – Widow of the late Raila Odinga
- Jaoko Oburu Odinga – Son of Senator Oburu Odinga
- Kevin Otieno Odinga – Member of the Odinga family
Ruto confirmed that Mama Ida Odinga had personally opted to join the delegation, emphasising the family’s commitment to being present throughout the repatriation process.
“The family has decided that she’ll join those going to recover the Honourable Raila Odinga,” Ruto stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga have been appointed to co-chair the National Funeral Committee, which will coordinate all arrangements for the state funeral.
The delegation is expected to arrive in India later today to finalise the repatriation before the body is flown back to Kenya, where the nation will honour Raila Odinga with full state rites.
