I extend my deepest condolences to the people of the great sisterly nation of Kenya, President William Samoei Ruto, and to the family of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, who died in India, earlier today.
News of the passing of this great son of Africa, who, for a long time, was a very good friend of mine, has been received with widespread sadness. Aside the many encounters and thought-experiences upon which we held deep convictions, Prime Minister Odinga and I shared mutual values on strengthening democracy and on advancing the human rights of Africa’s citizens. On 7th January, 2017, he was one of the distinguished dignitaries who attended my inauguration event at the Independence Square, in Accra.
As a founding member of the African Union, I pledged Ghana’s support, without hesitation, when, in 2024, President Ruto visited Ghana to secure our support for Prime Minister Odinga’s candidacy as AU Commission Chairperson. Indeed, he visited me himself in November 2024, as part of his campaign.
His remarkable footprints on Kenya’s stability, democracy and history will remain indelible. He will be sorely missed.
May his soul find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again. Amen.
