Kenya has been thrown into mourning following reports that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is dead. The shocking news emerged Wednesday morning, prompting immediate action from President William Ruto, who convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council at 10 a.m. and a special Cabinet meeting set for 2:30 p.m.
The National Assembly session was also abruptly adjourned by Speaker Moses Wetangula, who promised to deliver an important communication later in the afternoon. Unconfirmed reports from India indicate that Raila collapsed during a morning walk.
Raila Is Dead—Nation Awaits Ruto’s Address After Security Council Meeting
President William Ruto has taken charge of the national response following the reported death of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
According to State House insiders, the President’s day began with a high-level National Security Council meeting, bringing together top security chiefs to discuss the situation and its possible implications.
Ruto is expected to make an official statement after the meeting, shedding light on Raila’s final moments, medical condition, and the government’s next steps in handling the national mourning period.
The extraordinary Council session, which started at 10 a.m., is being held at State House, Nairobi. Sources reveal that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Defence CS Aden Duale, and Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome are all in attendance.
Later in the day, at 2:30 p.m., the President will chair a special Cabinet meeting to address both security and national unity concerns.
Parliament Suspended as Lawmakers Await Official Word
At Parliament Buildings, Speaker Moses Wetangula moved quickly to adjourn the morning session of the National Assembly.
He announced that MPs would reconvene at 2:30 p.m., when he would share important communication from the Presidency regarding Raila’s reported death.
“I will invoke my authority under Standing Order Number One and direct that the sitting of this House be adjourned,” Wetangula said solemnly. “We will have a sitting at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon when the Speaker will give you some important communication.”
The mood in the chamber turned somber as MPs whispered among themselves, awaiting confirmation from official sources. Many lawmakers appeared stunned, reflecting Raila’s enormous influence on Kenya’s political landscape.
Confusion and Mourning Grip ODM After Raila’s Reported Death
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) headquarters in Nairobi was a scene of confusion and disbelief Wednesday morning. Party officials declined to make any formal statement until they received official communication from the family or the government.
ODM Communications Director Philip Etale only posted a short, emotional message on social media, saying, “I am deflated.” The post fueled speculation across the country, with supporters demanding clarity.
Earlier reports from India indicated that Raila collapsed within the premises of an Ayurvedic wellness center in Koothattukulam. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at around 9:53 a.m. Indian time (7:23 a.m. Kenyan time).
Raila’s Final Days and Kenya’s Uncertain Morning
For weeks, Raila had been out of the public eye, with ODM officials offering conflicting statements about his health. His elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, had confirmed last week that Raila was recuperating in India, assuring Kenyans that he was “on the path to full recovery.”
The sudden announcement of his death has thrown the nation into shock, ending a political era that shaped Kenya’s democracy for over four decades.
President Ruto’s upcoming address is expected to confirm the details and announce official national mourning protocols. Security has been tightened in key government installations and major cities amid the uncertainty.
If confirmed, Raila’s passing will mark the end of one of the most influential political lives in Kenya’s history. A fierce defender of democracy, he endured imprisonment, exile, and countless political battles—always remaining a symbol of resilience and reform.
Kenyans at home and abroad now wait anxiously for official confirmation from the government, clinging to hope even as grief begins to settle across the nation.
