- Former prime minister Raila Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, in a hospital in India while receiving treatment
- Raila’s death plunged the nation into mourning, with political leaders and Kenyans in general offering heartfelt condolences
- After his death, Raila’s funeral committee announced the burial dates and gave the reason for the decision
Deputy President Kithur Kindiki has announced the funeral date of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
The announcement came after the leader of the ODM party died while being treated at Devamatha Hospital in India.
When will Raila Odinga be buried?
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, October 15, a few hours after Raila’s death, Kindiki announced that the former prime minister will be buried on Sunday, October 19.
Kindiki said that the family of the late politician asked the government to ensure that he is buried within 72 hours after his body is returned to the country.
“It will be expected that we will move very quickly, in the next few hours and the next few days, for reasons that have been communicated to us by the family of the late prime minister, following consultations between the family and the family’s lawyer,” Kindiki said.
Why will Raila be buried within 72 hours?
The deputy president used the opportunity to clarify that funeral arrangements have been made according to Raila’s last wishes.
“We have been informed by the committee, through the family, that it was Mr. Raila Odinga’s wish to be buried as soon as possible,” Kindiki added.
“The family has announced that the scheduled time is 72 hours. Considering that the prime minister died abroad, and despite the short period in which this process must be completed, we have been informed that the family and the committee will respect the wishes of the late prime minister,” he added.
He also said that, while respecting Raila’s wishes, other important activities to honor him will continue to take place.
Public places to mourn Raila to be established
The deputy president also announced that public places of mourning will be established in Nairobi and other parts of the country so that Kenyans can mourn the former prime minister.
In addition, he explained that these areas will enable Kenyans to follow the funeral activities of the leader through a big screen.
“…Citizens will be able to follow these activities through the big screen and participate in the mourning of our leader who left us,” Kindiki said.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
