Govt to Immortalise Raila Odinga at National Archives
The Kenyan government has announced plans to permanently preserve condolence messages received from across the world following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The messages, which came from foreign governments, international institutions, regional bodies, and individuals, will be kept as part of Kenya’s national heritage for future generations.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the condolence messages have been carefully compiled and bound into special volumes.
These volumes will be stored and made accessible at several national institutions, including the Kenya National Archives, the Kenya National Library Service, the Foreign Affairs Library, and the Foreign Affairs Gallery at Uhuru Gardens.
The move is aimed at ensuring that Raila Odinga’s legacy is documented and remembered not only by his family, but also by the nation and the wider world.
The announcement was made by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei during a ceremony held at the Odinga family home in Karen on Friday, January 30.
Speaking during the handover of the bound volumes to Mama Ida Odinga, Sing’oei said the collection was meant to serve as a historical record for generations to come. He noted that the messages reflect the deep respect and admiration Raila Odinga commanded both locally and internationally.
Sing’oei explained that the initiative follows the passing of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. At the time of his death, Odinga was in Kerala, India, where he had travelled to seek medical treatment.
Reports indicated that he collapsed during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre at around 8:30 a.m. local time.
He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where doctors attempted to resuscitate him. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. Indian time, which was 7:22 a.m. Kenyan time.
Medical sources confirmed that Odinga died from a heart-related condition. He had been undergoing treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, and was accompanied by his daughter, Winnie Odinga.
Following his death, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning in honour of the former Prime Minister. During this period, flags across the country were flown at half-mast. Friday, October 17, 2025, was also declared a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mourn and pay tribute to the veteran statesman.
Odinga’s body was flown back to Kenya on October 16, 2025, aboard a Kenya Airways aircraft. A state funeral was later held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects.
Leaders from across Africa and beyond attended the ceremony, highlighting Odinga’s influence and stature on the continental and global stage.
He was laid to rest on October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County. His grave is located next to that of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and a key figure in the country’s independence struggle.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that the condolence messages compiled in the bound volumes recognise Raila Odinga’s long-standing contribution to democracy, diplomacy, and African unity.
Sing’oei said the messages describe a leader whose voice inspired hope, whose courage motivated many, and whose commitment to justice and democratic ideals resonated far beyond Kenya’s borders.
In addition to preserving the condolence messages, the ministry announced plans to establish an annual conference named in honour of Raila Odinga.
The proposed conference will bring together scholars, statesmen, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in discussions on democracy, governance, and diplomacy, areas in which Odinga played a significant role throughout his life.
The ministry also expressed its willingness to work closely with the Odinga family to develop a museum at their ancestral home in Bondo.
The planned museum will serve as a centre for preserving and showcasing Raila Odinga’s life, political journey, and lasting impact on Kenya and Africa.
During the same ceremony, Sing’oei congratulated Mama Ida Odinga on her recent nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is headquartered in Nairobi.
President William Ruto nominated Ida Odinga on January 23, 2026, to replace Ababu Namwamba, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, subject to parliamentary approval.
The government also took the opportunity to thank members of the diplomatic corps and international partners for standing with Kenya during the period of national mourning.
Officials said the messages received from around the world reflected deep respect for Raila Odinga as a statesman, reformer, and symbol of democratic struggle whose legacy will continue to shape Kenya’s history.
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