The Siaya County Government has announced the suspension of all official functions following the passing of Raila Amollo Odinga, describing the moment as one of profound loss and national grief.
Governor James Orengo said the circumstances necessitate a review of ongoing programmes, including the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO 2025).
“The circumstances dictate a review of the ongoing programme of the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference. As such, all plenary sessions and side events are postponed to a later date, as we join the family and the nation in mourning our departed leader. We highly regret any inconvenience caused,” said Governor Orengo.
President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning in honour of the late Odinga, directing that the national flag fly at half-mast across the country and in Kenyan missions abroad.
Governor Orengo paid an emotional tribute, calling Raila Odinga a statesman whose legacy transcends politics.
“Words fail me to express the shock, deep sorrow and immeasurable grief at the news of the untimely passing of my brother, my friend, my party leader, a statesman and a towering figure of Kenya’s second liberation, and the driving force behind the realisation of the 2010 Constitution,” said Orengo.
He added, “Kenya has lost not just a politician but a revolutionary , a visionary and singular force whose shadow stretched across the most consequential five decades of our history. For the people of Siaya, the entire Luo Nyanza region, and the nation as a whole, we have lost our patriarch the symbol of resilience and a relentless champion of our political and economic rights.”
Further communication on the rescheduled dates for SITICO 2025 and other official engagements will be issued in due course.
