Jamia, SUPKEM, CIPK join nation in mourning Raila Odinga

The Muslim leadership has joined the nation in paying tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was eulogized as one of the country’s important figures in the struggle for freedom and social justice.

The ODM leader died on Wednesday, October 15, while undergoing treatment in India, and his death triggered an immediate outpouring of grief.

Tributes poured in from within and across the globe, with the towering figure in Kenya’s politics being eulogized for his unwavering efforts to push for multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms, and social justice.

President William Ruto described Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80, as a transformative leader whose impact will be felt for generations.

In an official proclamation issued on Wednesday afternoon, the head of state announced 7 days of national mourning, stating that the national flag will fly at half-mast at all the designated institutions and installations both in the country and Kenyan missions around the world.

“Prime Minister Raila Odinga shall be accorded a state funeral, with military honours and the attendant State protocols being rendered and observed," the president stated.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the former Prime Minister describing him as a “brother, friend and patriot” whose passing has left a deep void in the nation.

The Jamia Mosque Committee eulogized the icon of the country’s freedom struggle, describing him as a steadfast champion of democracy, justice, and equality, whose lifelong dedication to public service left an enduring mark on Kenya’s political landscape.

In a statement, the Committee said Raila was a champion of the marginalized and minority communities who was consistent in advocating for fairness, inclusion, and reforms that strengthened Kenya’s governance and unity.

“As the Muslim community, we particularly remember Raila Odinga’s significant role in the struggle for the establishment and entrenchment of the Kadhis' Courts in Kenya’s Constitution, a reflection of his respect for Kenya’s religious diversity and commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Odinga family, friends, and all Kenyans who share in this profound loss,” said a statement released by the mosque committee.

On its part, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) said the country will remain indebted to his indelible legacy ofchampioning democracy, being a formidable warrior for freedom and one of the central architects for the present Kenya.

“He consistently engaged with the Muslim leadership, understanding the critical role of faith communities in promoting a cohesive and democratic society,” said the chairman Hassan Ole Naado.

“He has courageously fought for a nation where every voice, including those of the Muslim community, could be heard and respected,” he added.

Paying tribute to the former Premier, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) national chairman Abdallah Ateka said the legendary statesman had contributed greatly to opening up the space for freedom for Kenyans. “He was jailed, went through difficult times, and sacrificed his ambitions for the good of the country. While we are greatly saddened by his death, we need to understand that it was part of the destiny decreed by the Almighty Allah,” he said.

He urged Kenyans to remember the former prime minister through embracing his virtues of unity and his commitment to the ideals of democracy and justice.

Raila Odinga’s closer relationship with Muslims goes back to 2007 when he signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF).

The agreement was a response to the systematic abuse of the rights of Muslims by the Kibaki administration and Raila, who was campaigning for the position of President, had pledged to bring an end to the injustices.

“In entering this agreement, NAMLEF and the Muslim community in Kenya recognize the fact that President Mwai Kibaki’s government has meted out calculated, deliberate, unprecedented discrimination and harassment of a section of Kenyans, including Muslims. NAMLEF and the Muslim community in Kenya desires to end this,” read part of the agreement signed by Raila Odinga and NAMLEF chairman Abdullahi Abdi.

The agreement for the first time, saw the mass political mobilization of Muslims who came out in large numbers to vote for the Orange Democratic Party in the 2007 elections, where Mwai Kibaki was controversially declared as the winner.

Raila's body is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday October 16, at 8:30am. On Friday, a State funeral service will be held at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi and burial will take place on Sunday at his family farm in Bondo, Siaya county.