Judul : Kenya newspapers, October 15: How Winnie Odinga broke sad news of Raila's passing to William Ruto
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Kenya newspapers, October 15: How Winnie Odinga broke sad news of Raila's passing to William Ruto
A dark theme overshadowed the Kenyan publictions for Thursday, October 16, a day after the unforeseen death of Kenya's arguably most consequential politician, Raila Odinga.
Raila's remains were fetched from India by a high-level delegation dispatched by President William Ruto.
1. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the shock Kenyans are still reeling from following the death of ODM leader and Kenya's second prime minister, Raila Odinga.
Even more shocking is how the news came much later, long after the leader had breathed his last.
Now he ought to be buried within 72 hours, as per his specific wishes.
The Nairobi State House is handling the burial arrangements in conjunction with the bereaved family.
Raila’s final wishes were revealed by his lawyer at a meeting held at State House on Wednesday morning, October, just after the confirmation of the death. The meeting was attended by Raila's elder brother, Senator Oburu Oginga.
However, the challenge was how to keep to the 72-hour wish, given that Raila died outside the country and the repatriation process could affect other arrangements.
But after its first meeting, the state funeral committee, chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, agreed that the time would start counting after the body is brought to the country.
The body is expected to touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Thursday morning, around 9:15 am, October 16.
According to insiders, it was Senator Oginga who called President William Ruto at 7 am on Wednesday to inform him that his younger brother was in a critical condition in a Mumbai hospital.
"He said Raila had been rushed back to hospital," the newspaper quoted a source.
A few minutes later, another call came in. This time, it was from Raila's daughter, Winnie Odinga, who phoned the president directly, informing the head of state that the ODM leader had breathed his last.
"She spoke briefly, her voice trembling. She confirmed that something very bad had happened," the sources added.
Raila, 80, died at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, India, after suffering a heart attack while taking his morning walk, according to police and hospital officials.
He suffered cardiac arrest in the course of his walk. He was rushed to the facility based in Southern India.
The medics established that Raila was diabetic and had chronic kidney problems.
2. Taifa Leo
The newspaper covered how the country was thrown into mourning following the demise of Raila Odinga.
The sad news sparked nationwide mourning, with his supporters weeping and singing dirges.
It caused a stir as thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on motorbikes, cars and on foot, carrying tree branches and honking their horns in mourning and chanting in Nairobi, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kakamega and Kisii and Machakos Counties.
In Siaya county, the deceased's home, youths blocked the Bondo-Kisumu Road singing and crying, saying in the Dholuo language: "Ng'ou olwar jokamaa", meaning "The big tree has fallen."
Elders from the Sakwa community gathered at Raila’s home in Opoda, Bondo, weeping openly, while others surrounded his house in traditional wails.
“This pain is so intense. Why has death come at this time to take away our brave son? This was our king and the hero of this area," said John Odira, an elder from Sakwa.
In the city of Kisumu, most businesses were closed by 4:30 am.
Residents poured onto the streets carrying Kenyan flags, tree branches and handkerchiefs, as mourners sang songs of sorrow.
“We as a nation are at a crossroads. We are worried whether the freedom and rights he fought for will continue," said John Otieno, one of the mourners.
Rosemary Adhiambo, who was weeping bitterly, said:
“Kenyan politics is incomprehensible without Raila. There is no one to fill his place now.”
The Luo Community Elders' Council, led by Ker Odungi Randa, called on the four Nyanza governors - James Orengo (Siaya), Professor Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Ochilo Ayacko (Migori) to lead the community peacefully during this difficult time.
"Today I felt the same pain. When Jaramogi died, I did not cry, but today when Raila died I cried," said Ker Randa.
In Homa Bay, thousands of citizens held a Tero Buru parade, leading cattle in front of them as a sign of respect for the deceased.
Some carried axes, spears and arrows, traditional symbols of protection against disasters.
The Speaker of the Homa Bay County Assembly, Polycarp Okombo, led delegates and leaders in suspending their official sessions in honour of the deceased.
In Kisii, students of the Kisii National Polytechnic walked out of their examination rooms and took to the streets to mourn Raila's death.
Carrying palm branches, they marched through the city praising him as the "Father of the Nation."
"His death is a great blow to the nation. We will miss him greatly," said Helen Nyamweya, a young woman from Kisii.
In Western Kenya, some leaders suspended their activities in honour of the deceased.
In Nairobi, residents arrived at Raila's compound in Karen and took to the streets to mourn. The cries were heard in the city centre as some businesses closed in fear.
With mournful cries, residents of Kibera, known as Raila's 'bedroom', entered Ngong Road, and some walked to Karen to confirm the news of his death, complaining that they were not informed of the truth about his health earlier.
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