The County of Siaya was thrown into mourning today following the shocking news of the passing of former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Amollo Odinga, who died while receiving treatment in India. The news has sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond, drawing heartfelt tributes from global leaders and triggering the immediate suspension of the highly anticipated Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO).
Global Leaders Mourn a Pan-African Statesman
Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from across the continent and the globe. The President of South Africa, President of Uganda, President of Tanzania, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia all sent messages acknowledging Raila Odinga’s indelible contribution to democracy and Pan-African unity.
In a gesture that underscored Odinga’s international stature, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first world leader to send a condolence message, describing Raila as “a great son of Africa whose political courage and democratic spirit inspired generations.”
The wave of global sympathy reflects the immense respect Raila commanded beyond Kenya’s borders—both as a reformist and as a tireless advocate for democracy, equity, and good governance.
Siaya’s Heartbreak: Orengo Leads County in Mourning
In Siaya, the news was met with disbelief and grief. Governor James Orengo, a longtime ally and political confidant of Raila Odinga, led the County Government in sending condolences on behalf of his administration, family, and the people of Siaya.
Speaking during an impromptu press briefing at the SITICO venue, Orengo expressed profound sorrow over what he described as a “deeply painful and untimely loss that has shaken the soul of the nation.”
“Raila Amollo Odinga was more than a leader; he was our guiding light, a beacon of hope for millions, and the symbol of Kenya’s long journey toward democracy,” Orengo said.
“He stood tall in the fight for multiparty democracy, justice, and equity. His vision gave birth to the 2010 Constitution that ushered in devolution — a system that now empowers communities like ours in Siaya.”
Orengo, visibly emotional, said Raila’s passing was not just a personal loss but a generational one — the end of an era that defined Kenya’s democratic evolution.
SITICO 2025 Adjourned Indefinitely
Governor Orengo also announced the immediate adjournment of the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO), which was scheduled to commence on Wednesday, October 15, and run through Friday, October 17.
The conference was set to attract high-level national and international participation, with President William Ruto expected to officially open the event on Thursday and Raila Odinga himself slated to preside over the closing ceremony.
“In respect and honour of our departed leader, we have decided to postpone SITICO until further notice,” Orengo announced. “This is a moment for reflection, unity, and national mourning.”
The decision was met with solemn approval by the gathered dignitaries, clergy, and SITICO organizing officials, led by Co-Chairman Victor Nyangaya, who pledged to stand with the county during this period of grief.
Call for Peace and Unity
Governor Orengo appealed for calm and unity across Siaya and the nation, urging the public to honor Raila’s memory by upholding the values he lived for — peace, democracy, and justice.
“We must maintain peace and composure as the government and family guide the nation through the official protocols and funeral arrangements,” he said.
Orengo was flanked by a delegation of senior county officials including Speaker George Okode, Deputy Governor Oduor Odongo, County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, and members of the County Executive such as Agunda Ochanda (Governance, ICT & Administration), Grace Agola (Trade), Prof. Jacqueline Oduol (Environment, Water & Irrigation), Maurice Otieno (Lands & Physical Planning), Edgar Otumba (Education), and Sylvester Kokoth (Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries), among others.
The clergy joined the leadership in a brief interfaith prayer session, dedicating the moment to the memory of the fallen leader.
An End of an Era
For Siaya, this loss strikes at the heart of its identity — the county that raised and revered Raila Amollo Odinga, the man whose vision for equitable development and devolution inspired SITICO itself.
As the county joins Kenya and the world in mourning, one truth remains undeniable: Raila Odinga was not just a political figure; he was the architect of Kenya’s democratic consciousness — a legend whose ideals will outlive his mortal years.
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