- Former prime minister Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, at an Indian hospital where he was receiving treatment
- Raila’s death plunged the country into mourning, with political leaders and Kenyans alike paying emotional tributes
- Following this, Raila’s burial committee announced the burial dates and provided the rationale behind the decision
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced the burial date of the former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
This comes after the ODM party leader passed away while undergoing treatment at the Devamatha Hospital in India.
When will Raila Odinga be buried?
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, October 15, hours after Raila’s death, Kindiki announced that the ex-prime minister will be buried on Sunday, October 19.
Kindiki said the late political veteran’s family requested that he be buried within 72 hours of his body’s repatriation to the country.
“It is expected that we will move very quickly, in the next few hours and a few days, for the reason which has been communicated to us by the family of the late prime minister, following consultations between the family and the family lawyer,” Kindiki said.
Why will Raila be buried in 72 hours?
The deputy president also took the opportunity to clarify that burial arrangements were made in accordance with Raila’s final wishes.
“We have been advised by the committee, as the family, that it was the wish of the Honourable Raila Odinga to be buried within the shortest time possible,” Kindiki added.
“The family has announced that the timeline is 72 hours. Given that the prime minister died outside the country, and not withstanding the very short period in which this process must be concluded. We are advised that the family and the committee will respect the wishes of the late prime minister,” he added.
He also said that while honouring Raila’s wishes, other important activities to honour him will still take place.
Public grieving places for Raila to be created
The country’s deputy president also announced that public mourning areas will be set up in Nairobi and other parts of the country for Kenyans to grieve the late prime minister.
Additionally, he stated that the spaces would allow Kenyans to follow the burial proceedings of the late premier as they occur.
“…Members of the public can follow proceedings on big screens and participate in grieving and mourning our departed leaders,” Kindiki said.
Who will oversee Raila’s funeral plans?
President William Ruto formed a national funeral committee, co-chaired by Kindiki and Raila’s brother, Oburu Odinga, to manage the funeral arrangements.
Source: Twitter
The committee also includes Cabinet Secretaries, Raila’s family, ODM party leaders, and governors such as Abdulswamad Shariff of Mombasa, Anyang’ Nyong’o of Kisumu, and Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay.
Representatives from the Senate and Assembly were included.
A delegation of ODM officials, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, family members, and government officials, was sent to India to repatriate Raila’s body.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
