President William Ruto's driver removes the national flag from the official vehicle after the proclamation of the death of Raila Odinga on October 14, 2025/President William Ruto has directed that all top government officials stop flying the national flag on their official motor vehicles as the nation mourns the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a proclamation issued from State House, Nairobi, Ruto announced that “the President, the Deputy President, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Justice and Cabinet Secretaries shall not fly the national flag on their official motor vehicles from today until sunset on the day of his interment.”
Others affected are Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate, Kenya’s diplomats abroad, and “whomsoever else is so authorised by law.
The directive, which took effect immediately, forms part of a wider set of national mourning measures following the passing of the veteran opposition leader and democracy icon.
The Head of State will, however, continue to fly the yellow presidential standard on his official vehicle during the mourning period.
Ruto also ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the Republic of Kenya and in all Kenyan missions abroad until sunset on the day of Raila’s burial.
The national funeral committee chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was set to meet later in the day to plan for the funeral.
The government, he said, would work closely with the Raila family to ensure a dignified farewell befitting his legacy.
“In consultation with the family, a committee to be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and my brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements,” Ruto announced.
In his statement, Ruto paid a heartfelt tribute to the late ODM leader, describing him as a “towering statesman” whose decades of public service, courage, and vision helped shape modern Kenya.
“Raila Odinga’s life was one of conviction and resilience. His struggle for justice, freedom, and inclusion transformed our nation and inspired generations.Kenya mourns a true patriot,” the President said.
Condolence messages continued to pour in from leaders across the political divide, as well as from international partners and citizens, all hailing Raila’s lifelong dedication to Kenya’s democratic ideals.
Raila passed away Wednesday morning where he has been undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, a delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is set to leave for India today to facilitate “proper organisation” in the repatriation of his remains.
Other members of the delegation are Mama Ida, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hassan Joho (Mining), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and family members, Jaoko Oburu Odinga, Kevin Opiyo Oginga, and others.
