Nairobi, Kenya — People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called on President William Ruto to honor the memory of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by ending politically motivated abductions and extrajudicial killings in the country.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday, Karua — who served as Raila’s running mate in the 2022 Azimio la Umoja presidential race — described her former ally as a lifelong defender of justice and human rights.
“I want to ask President William Ruto, in memory of his late friend Raila Amollo Odinga, to end abductions, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations,” Karua said. “That would be the best way to honor the man who stood for fairness and dignity for all Kenyans.”
Karua expressed deep concern over the events at Kasarani Stadium earlier that day, where police fired live bullets and lobbed tear gas to disperse thousands of mourners who had gathered to view Raila’s body.
According to her, the heavy-handed response was unnecessary and disrespectful to the memory of the late leader.
“I am worried that police used excessive force at Kasarani, which led to injuries and reports of deaths among grieving supporters,” she added. “That is not how to show respect to Raila.”
The chaotic scenes at Kasarani came just hours after Raila’s body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from India, where he had been undergoing medical treatment before his death.
The arrival ceremony, attended by President Ruto and other national leaders, briefly turned chaotic after large crowds of supporters stormed the runway area to pay their respects.
Despite the tension, plans for Raila’s state funeral remain in place. According to the official program, a national memorial service will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, followed by a public viewing session extending into the evening.
On Saturday, the body will be taken to Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta Stadium for another public viewing, before finally traveling to Bondo, Siaya County, where Raila — fondly known as Baba by his supporters — will be laid to rest on Sunday Octber 19, 2025.
Raila Odinga, 80, was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, known for his decades-long fight for democracy, freedom, and good governance.
His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes across the nation, especially from communities that saw him as a symbol of hope and resistance.
Karua emphasized that the best way to keep his legacy alive is not through words, but through action.
“If we truly want to honor Raila,” she said, “we must continue his fight for justice and end the violence and oppression he always stood against.”
