List of Kenyan officials sent to India to repatriate Raila’s body

President William Ruto has confirmed that the government has dispatched a high-level delegation to India to oversee the repatriation of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s body.

The veteran opposition leader died while receiving treatment at a medical facility in Kerala, India.

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Speaking from State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Ruto described Raila as one of Kenya’s most influential leaders whose contribution to the country’s democracy will be remembered for generations.

The President also announced that Raila will be accorded a state funeral and that the nation will observe seven days of mourning.

Ruto confirms Raila’s death

“Fellow citizens, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing on of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister, Kenya’s foremost statesman, and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” Ruto said.

He added that Raila’s name will forever remain part of Kenya’s history because of his decades-long fight for justice, equity and good governance.

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“Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic, a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit for excellence,” Ruto said.

The Head of State said Raila’s death had plunged the country and the continent into mourning, describing him as a leader whose ideals transcended politics.

“Kenya, Africa and the world mourn the passing on of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance,” he said.

President Ruto also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across Kenya and in all embassies abroad.

He said all government officials should suspend public engagements during the mourning period.

Delegates travelling to India for Raila’s body

Ruto announced that a government delegation has already been sent to India to coordinate the repatriation of Raila Odinga’s body. The team will ensure that all logistical arrangements are completed before the body is flown back to Kenya for a state funeral.

“At the request of the Government of Kenya, the Government of India has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of Raila. 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 our brother, the Honourable Raila Odinga,” Ruto said.

Below is the full list of delegates travelling to India for Raila Odinga’s body:

Musalia Mudavadi

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (Head of Delegation)

Kipchumba Murkomen

Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and Coordination of the National Government

Hassan Joho

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs

Kimani Ichung’wah

National Assembly Majority Leader

Junet Mohammed

National Assembly Minority Leader

Mama Ida Odinga

Widow of the late Raila Odinga

Jaoko Oburu Odinga

Son of Senator Oburu Odinga

Kevin Otieno Odinga

Member of the Odinga family

Ruto confirmed that Mama Ida has decided to join the team personally, underscoring the family’s wish to be present during the repatriation.

“The family has finally decided that she’ll join those who’ll be going to recover the Honourable Raila Odinga,” he said.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga will co-chair the national funeral committee that will coordinate all preparations for the burial.

The delegation is expected to arrive in India later today to oversee the process of returning Raila’s remains to Kenya for a state funeral.