President Kagame sent the condolences through a message shared on X. 'On behalf of the people of Rwanda and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, to my brother President William Ruto, and to the people of Kenya on the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,' he posted.
The Head of State also eulogised Raila Odinga as a lifelong dedicated public servant whose steadfast commitment to democracy, justice, and unity in Kenya and across Africa will be remembered for generations to come.
'We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Kenya during this time of national mourning,' he added.
Although Raila Odinga had been at odds with President William Ruto's administration for some time, the two joined hands in early 2024 when the Kenyan government pledged to support Raila's candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
In March 2024, Raila visited Rwanda, where he met with President Kagame. Shortly afterward, the Government of Rwanda publicly announced its support for his bid.
While Raila did not win the AUC election, his contribution to Africa's development remains significant.
From 2018 to 2023, he served as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, a role that advanced major projects across the continent.
Raila Odinga passed away in India on October 15, 2025, following cardiac arrest. In honor of his legacy, President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning across Kenya.
IGIHE
