The Times Kuwait Report
Heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait gathered at the Kenyan Embassy on Sunday to offer their condolences following the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Omollo Odinga on October 15. The delegation was led by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan, H.E. Dr. Zubaydullah Zubaydov.
In mourning, the Kenyan Embassy held a flag-lowering ceremony and announced that a condolence book would remain open for three days to receive government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Kenya, and others wishing to pay their respects.
Kenyan Ambassador Halima Mahmood paid tribute to the late leader, recalling that Odinga nominated her to the Senate between 2013 and 2017 as part of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. She described him as a selfless statesman who consistently placed the nation’s interests above political rivalry.
“Even after electoral defeats, he chose unity over division, as seen during the Building Bridges initiative and his cooperation with both former and current presidents to strengthen Kenya’s stability,” Ambassador Mahmood said. “He was a father to all Kenyans and a pillar of democracy whose tireless efforts gave us the freedoms and constitution we cherish today.”
Ambassador Mahmood added that Odinga’s legacy extended beyond Kenya’s borders, touching lives across Africa.
His state funeral, held in Kisumu County following national mourning in Parliament and the main stadium, was attended by numerous foreign dignitaries, including Ethiopian President Taye Atsekye Selassie Amde, Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango, South Sudanese Vice President Rebecca Nding, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Rwandan Interior Minister Vincent Biruta, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
She concluded, “Kenya, Africa, and the world have lost a great leader. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
