Kenya will observe seven days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President William Ruto announced on Wednesday.

Raila, one of the country’s most influential political figures, died on the morning of October 15 in India after suffering cardiac arrest during a morning walk. He was 80.

“In honour of the life and times of the former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, and on behalf of a grateful nation,” President Ruto said in a televised address, “I declare that Kenya will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset on the day of his interment.”

During the mourning period, all national flags will fly at half-mast — from State House to military installations, public offices, and Kenyan embassies abroad.

Ruto also announced that Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours. “Prime Minister Raila Odinga shall be accorded a State Funeral, with military honours and the attendant State protocols being rendered and observed,” he said.

In a display of diplomatic goodwill, the Indian government has offered to cover the cost of repatriating Odinga’s body to Kenya. “The government of India, at the request of the government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of our former Prime Minister,” Ruto confirmed.

A special delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will travel to India to coordinate the return of Odinga’s body.

Raila Odinga’s passing marks the end of a political era. Known simply as Baba to his supporters, his influence on Kenya’s democracy stretched over four decades. As the country prepares to lay him to rest, both friend and foe agree — his legacy will be felt for generations.