The Prime Minister of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga,jhas joined international leaders in mourning the death of Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya.
Odinga, 80, died on October 15th from cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic hospital in Kochi, Kerala, India. According to reports, his condition worsened during a morning walk on the hospital campus. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after 9 a.m. local time.
In a message posted on his official X account, formerly Twitter, Mayiga expressed profound sadness at the passing of the veteran politician.
“I express my condolences to members of his family, friends, Kenyans, and all East Africans. May the Lord receive his soul,” Mayiga wrote.
The Buganda Premier highlighted the longstanding ties between the kingdom and the Odinga family, describing their relationship as “long and close,” with roots dating back to the era of Kabaka (King) Edward Muteesa II.
Mayiga acknowledged Odinga’s significant contributions to Kenya’s political landscape and constitutional development. He also recognized Odinga’s influence beyond politics, noting his role as a businessman and his broad impact on East Africa’s socio-economic and political spheres.
The connection between Odinga and the Buganda Kingdom was publicly evident in 2013 when Odinga was a special guest at the Kabaka’s Coronation Anniversary at the Mengo Palace, commonly known as Lubiri. President Yoweri Museveni was the chief guest at the event.
Odinga’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across the continent, underscoring his enduring legacy as a key political leader and a central figure in the East African community.