NAIROBI.
The Kenyan government has announced a seven-day national mourning programme in honour of former Prime Minister Laila Odinga who passed on in India Wednesday morning .
Odinga,80 had been receiving medical treatment abroad and suffered a cardiac arrest, according to the hospital in the city of Kochi,India where he died.
Kenyan President William Ruto visited Odinga’s home on Wednesday morning and announced a state funeral and seven days of national mourning, moves likely to calm any political passions over his death.
“He championed reforms that gave birth to the rights and freedoms we hold dear today, his voice spoke for the oppressed. His conviction inspired generations, and his vision shaped the course of our history,” Ruto said in an address to the nation.
Tributes to Odinga continue to flow in from abroad, especially around Africa where he has been a well-known figure.
“H.E. Raila Odinga was a towering figure in Kenya’s political life and a steadfast champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centred development,” said African Union Commission head, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who defeated Odinga in the bloc’s leadership contest this year.
Among Kenyans, opinions were divided over his legacy.
“May his fight for democracy continue to inspire our nation’s leaders,” said Nairobi resident Grace Mbugua.
“He may not have had the best interests of all Kenyans at all times, and during his push for democracy, many lives were lost,” added accountant Patrick Mungai.