The Government of India is facilitating the repatriation of the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Kenya, following his passing on Wednesday morning in India.
Consequently, a high-powered delegation comprising government officials and family members led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has been dispatched to coordinate and oversee the process.
According to President William Ruto, the team travelling alongside the late leader’s spouse, Mama Ida, includes Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hassan Joho (Mining), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and family members, Jaoko Oburu Odinga, and Kevin Opiyo Oginga, among others.
“The government of India, at the request of the government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of our former Prime Minister. Consequently, a delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation of the remains of Raila Odinga”, the heads of state said.
The ODM party leader died on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment in Kochi, India. He collapsed during a morning walk and was taken to Devamatha Hospital, which confirmed he had suffered a cardiac arrest.
Efforts to resuscitate him were, however, unsuccessful. A video has since surfaced showing the former Prime Minister walking with his bodyguard in tow. His daughter, Winnie, and sister were reportedly with him at the facility.
In recent weeks, there has been speculation about his health, although family members and political allies had dismissed reports suggesting he was critically ill. Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who is also Raila’s brother, confirmed that his younger brother had been unwell for a while, but was recuperating and resting in India.
“I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.
Meanwhile, a committee has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Oburu.
The burial date is yet to be announced.
