

President William Ruto has called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) this morning.
The extraordinary meeting is
scheduled for 10 am at State House, Nairobi.
The meeting comes following reports that Raila, a towering figure
in Kenyan politics, died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at an
Ayurvedic facility in Kochi, India.
The 80-year-old had gone for a morning run and collapsed at 8:30 am, Indian time.
He was pronounced dead at 9:52 am.
His passing has triggered widespread
reactions across the country and abroad, with tributes pouring in from political
leaders, civil society and ordinary citizens.
The convening of the NSC signals the
gravity of the moment and the government’s intent to ensure national stability,
security and coordinated response during this sensitive period.
The National Security Council is the
highest decision-making body on matters of national security and defence.
Established under Article 240 of the
Constitution, the NSC plays a critical role in safeguarding the country’s
sovereignty, peace, and public order.
Key members of the Council include
the president, who is the chairperson, the deputy president, cabinet secretaries
for defence, foreign affairs and interior, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF),
the director-general of the National Intelligence Service, and the Inspector
General of the National Police Service.
The NSC is mandated to formulate
national security policies by advising the President on strategies to
protect Kenya’s territorial integrity and internal stability.
It coordinates security operations,
ensuring that the military, police and
intelligence services work in harmony during emergencies or national threats.
The NSC monitors and
evaluates both internal and external threats to the nation’s peace and
security, and can recommend the use of the Kenya Defence Forces in domestic or
international operations.
It supervises the National Intelligence Service and ensures
that intelligence is used lawfully and effectively, and provides input on
diplomatic and international security matters, especially those affecting regional
stability.
With Raila Odinga’s death confirmed,
the NSC is expected to deliberate on several urgent matters.
This includes ensuring a peaceful
public response and managing national mourning, coordinating security for
anticipated vigils, memorials and a state funeral.
It will also deal with matters addressing
misinformation and maintaining public order, and engaging regional and
international partners in diplomatic communication
President Ruto is expected to issue
a formal statement following the NSC meeting, outlining the government’s next
steps and honouring Raila’s legacy.
As Kenya grapples with the loss of one of its most influential leaders, the NSC’s role in maintaining calm and unity will be pivotal.