Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a towering figure of democracy and unity whose life embodied the spirit of the Kenyan nation.

Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic facility.

According to the reports, he collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the health centre. His body is currently being held at the hospital as the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) initiates standard repatriation procedures in accordance with Indian protocol.

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In a message shared on his official X account, President Ruto mourned Odinga referring to him as "a big brother, a mentor, a confidant, and a selfless patriot,” urging that he was a leader whose life was marked by courage, conviction, and sacrifice.

"With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Hon Raila Odinga fought for our democracy and led the path towards our new constitutional order,” Ruto wrote. "Hon Raila Odinga always believed that our best days are yet to come. His was a path walked with conviction. He bore the scars of struggle with dignity, knowing that freedom was not free and that truth often demands sacrifice.”

The President praised Odinga as a statesman who consistently put the interests of the nation above self, noting that his optimism, strength, and humility epitomised the Kenyan spirit.

"His life was a testament to the enduring power of a vision grounded in the ideals of democracy, justice, and unity,” Ruto said. "He was a man who refused to accept the easy path when the right path was harder. There can be no doubt that Hon Raila Odinga was the most significant leader of our democratic experiment. He carried himself with courage and grace and his voice, sometimes fiery, sometimes soft, always echoed with purpose.”

Ruto went on to describe Odinga as "a quintessential progressive and reformer” who dedicated his life to advancing human rights, the rule of law, and inclusivity.

"He fought for the ideals of democracy and economic opportunity for all until he breathed his last,” he said. "Every time I needed wise counsel, I turned to him time and again. He never once failed me and told me the truth every time, even when the truth was hard.”

To honour Odinga’s legacy, President Ruto declared a period of national mourning from the day of his death until sunset on the day of his interment. He further announced that the former Prime Minister will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honors and all attendant state protocols.

During the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at State House, all government buildings, public grounds, and Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad. The directive will also apply to military bases, posts, and naval vessels throughout the Republic of Kenya.

In the statement declaring national mourning, Ruto underscored Odinga’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s modern democracy. "The former Prime Minister's central role in shepherding Kenya into a new constitutional dispensation is a towering legacy that immortalises him,” the statement read.

"Kenya is undoubtedly a much better place today because of the struggles, sacrifice, leadership, vision, and courage of a son of the soil, who never tired in the pursuit of a better Kenya.”

As the nation comes to terms with the loss, President Ruto urged Kenyans to celebrate Odinga’s life and contributions.