ODM SG Sifuna urges party supporters to refrain from crowding Raila's Karen home

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has implored the party supporters to refrain from thronging former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's Karen home following the news of his demise. 

Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Sifuna noted that Mama Ida Odinga was overwhelmed by the outpour of support and number of supporters who sought to console the family. 

The Nairobi Senator alluded to discussions with the party delegations to set up points for those who sought to mourn 'Baba' – as Raila was popularly known - could choose to do so without visiting his Karen-based home.

"We know how much you love Mzee, but when we came from Karen home, it has been overrun and overwhelmed. The space can't accommodate all the number of people who want to condole," he stated.

"I want to make a special request as ODM SG, our people must stop going to Mama Ida's house because she's there alone and overwhelmed. We understand the love, in fact, the discussions amongst the leadership are that we need to set up points for people who want to mourn Raila, it doesn't have to be Karen."

Sifuna is part of the delegation comprising government and party officials as well as family members that will head to India to facilitate the repatriation of Raila's body. 

Led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the delegation also includes Mama Ida, CSs Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Hassan Joho (Mining), National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed among others. 

This follows the proclamation by President William Ruto, who noted that the government of India, at the request of the Kenyan government, had offered to facilitate the repatriation process. 

He noted that the former Prime Minister shall be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours.

"In consultation with the family, a committee to be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and my brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements," Ruto stated. 

Raila died on Wednesday in India, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition.

Reports from the Indian authorities indicated that the former PM was taking a walk with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor when he collapsed and was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he passed away.