Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga, at Cochin International Airport on Thursday, on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reports 24brussels.

During the tribute, Governor Arlekar laid a wreath on Odinga’s mortal remains, accompanied by his daughter Winnie Irmgard Odinga, the High Commissioner of Kenya in India, and senior officials from both the Indian and Kerala state governments. The remains received a Ceremonial Guard of Honour from the Kerala Police before being flown to Mumbai.

A special Indian Air Force flight transported Odinga’s remains to Mumbai, where they were received by a high-level delegation from Kenya, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, appointed by President William Ruto. The remains are set to be repatriated to Kenya on a subsequent flight. Odinga passed away at the age of 80 in Koothattukukam, Kerala, on Wednesday morning.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences on Odinga’s death, describing him as a “cherished friend of India” and acknowledging their long-standing relationship, dating back to Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Modi noted, “Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.”

He highlighted Odinga’s deep affection for Indian culture, values, and traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, emphasizing the positive impact it had on Odinga’s family. Modi extended his “deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Kenya in this hour of grief,” expressing his sentiments via a post on social media platform X.

Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and had been a Member of Parliament for Lang’ata since 1992. His political career included roles as Minister of Energy and Minister of Roads, Public Works and Housing, as well as leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement, a prominent political party in Kenya.

India and Kenya, maritime neighbors, have strengthened their ties over the years, transitioning into a multi-faceted partnership characterized by increasing trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

In light of Odinga’s passing, President William Ruto declared national mourning in Kenya, honoring Odinga as a pivotal figure in the nation’s democratic development and his contributions to the 2010 constitution. A state funeral is scheduled for October 19 in Kenya.