The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has implored the party supporters to refrain from thronging former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Karen home following the news of his demise. Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Sifuna noted that Mama Ida Odinga was overwhelmed by the outpour of support and number of supporters who sought to console the family.
The Nairobi Senator alluded to discussions with the party delegations to set up points for those who sought to mourn “Baba” as Raila was popularly known could choose to do so without visiting his Karen-based home. “We know how much you love Mzee, but when we came from Karen home, it has been overrun and overwhelmed.
The space can’t accommodate all the number of people who want to condole,” he stated.
Sifuna added that the overwhelming turnout at Raila’s residence was becoming unmanageable and causing distress to the bereaved family.
He appealed to ODM supporters and Kenyans at large to show their respect by allowing the family privacy to grieve.
“I want to make a special request as ODM SG, our people must stop going to Mama Ida’s house because she’s there alone and overwhelmed. We understand the love, in fact, the discussions amongst the leadership are that we need to set up points for people who want to mourn Raila, it doesn’t have to be Karen,” he said.
Sifuna is part of a high-level delegation comprising government officials, ODM leaders, and family members that will travel to India to oversee the repatriation of Raila’s body.
The delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, includes Mama Ida Odinga, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed among others.
The team is expected to coordinate with both Kenyan and Indian authorities to ensure a smooth process of bringing the body back home.
The government of India, through a formal communication, offered assistance in facilitating the repatriation process following a request by the Kenyan government.
President William Ruto confirmed this during his address on Wednesday, noting that the late former Prime Minister will be accorded a state funeral with full honours.
“In consultation with the family, a committee to be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and my brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements,” Ruto stated.
Raila Odinga died on Wednesday in India, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition.
Reports from Indian authorities revealed that he was taking a walk in the hospital compound alongside his sister, daughter, and personal doctor when he suddenly collapsed.
He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The shocking news of Raila’s death has left Kenya in mourning, with thousands of citizens expressing deep sorrow and disbelief. Tributes have poured in from leaders across the political divide, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to democracy, justice, and unity.
Calls for calm and respect continue to echo, with the ODM leadership emphasizing that Raila’s legacy will live on in the hearts of millions who admired and followed him for decades.
