Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday extended his condolences to the government and people of Kenya following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. ‘The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother,’ said President Ramaphosa.
According to South African Government News Agency, the former Prime Minister, who led the East African nation from 2008 to 2013, passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment. The Presidency stated that President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.
‘Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well as prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in C´te d’Ivoire in 2010. He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first,’ added President Ramaphosa.