The Kenyan government has announced plans to permanently preserve local and international condolence messages received after the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at national institutions.
The messages, received from governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide, have been carefully bound into volumes that will be accessible to future generations across multiple national repositories.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei made the announcement during a ceremony at the Odinga family home in Karen on Friday January 30.
The compiled tributes will be placed at the Kenya National Archives, Kenya National Library Service, Foreign Affairs Library, and the Foreign Affairs Gallery at Uhuru Gardens.
“This compilation is meant for posterity, for the family, for the nation, and for future generations,” Sing’oei stated during the handover ceremony to Mama Ida Odinga.
The initiative follows the passing of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India.
Odinga passed away from a heart condition after collapsing during a morning walk at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time.
He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where resuscitation efforts failed. He passed away at 9:52 a.m. Indian time (7:22 a.m. Kenyan time).
The former Prime Minister had been at the facility for five days seeking treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, accompanied by his daughter Winnie.
President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning with flags at half-mast, and Friday, October 17, 2025, was observed as a public holiday.
Odinga’s body was repatriated via Kenya Airways on October 16, 2025, with a state funeral held at Moi International Sports Centre drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners.
He was buried on October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.
The bound volumes handed over represent messages that poured in recognising Odinga’s contribution to democracy, diplomacy, and African solidarity beyond Kenya’s borders and throughout the continent.
“These messages speak of a man whose voice carried hope, whose courage inspired many, and whose commitment to justice and democracy resonated far and beyond,” Sing’oei said.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry also announced plans to establish an annual conference named after Odinga, bringing together scholars, statesmen, and practitioners to discuss democracy and diplomacy.
The ministry expressed readiness to work with the Odinga family in developing a museum at their ancestral home in Bondo to commemorate his life and legacy.
During the ceremony, Sing’oei congratulated Ida Odinga on her nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquartered in Nairobi.
President Ruto nominated Ida on January 23, 2026, to replace Ababu Namwamba, who was reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda pending parliamentary approval.
The diplomatic corps and international partners were thanked for standing with Kenya during the period of national mourning, with their messages reflecting deep respect for the statesman.