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The red earth of Kitui bore witness to history on Sunday as President William Ruto shattered precedent, posthumously conferring the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya upon Raila Amolo Odinga, an honor traditionally reserved exclusively for sitting heads of state.

The gesture, announced during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithooke Stadium, represents perhaps the most profound political reconciliation in Kenya’s sixty-two years of independence.

Five days after Odinga’s death on October 15 sent shockwaves across East Africa and beyond, Ruto stood before thousands of Kenyans and acknowledged what many had long known but few in power dared to articulate openly.

The man who had contested and lost five presidential elections, who had endured detention without trial, who had been tear-gassed and beaten, who had watched his supporters killed in post-election violence, was not merely a political adversary.

He was, in Ruto’s words, “one of Kenya’s most consequential and impactful sons, a towering statesman, a resolute patriot and a hero.”

The significance of the moment extended far beyond ceremonial tribute. The Order of the Golden Heart, known by its abbreviation CGH, sits at the apex of Kenya’s honors system. Since independence, it has been bestowed upon presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta during their tenures. Foreign heads of state visiting Kenya have occasionally received it. But never before has a Kenyan who never held the presidency been granted this distinction. Never before has the honor been used to explicitly acknowledge that greatness in service to the nation can exist outside State House.

Ruto’s speech carried the weight of personal history. These were two men whose political trajectories had been intertwined for decades, sometimes as allies, more often as fierce opponents. In 2007, they stood on opposite sides of an election dispute that plunged Kenya into violence claiming over 1,200 lives. In 2022, they faced each other again when Odinga challenged Ruto’s presidential victory in the Supreme Court. Yet on Sunday, Ruto spoke not as a victor addressing a vanquished foe, but as one national figure honoring another.

“It was never about Raila becoming president, it was about Kenya having a good president,” Ruto declared, his voice cutting through the afternoon heat. “He believed that Kenya’s best days were still ahead. He endured prison, persecution and political defeat yet never gave in to bitterness or hopelessness.”

The words represented a remarkable admission from a president whose own rise to power had been built partly on defeating Odinga’s political ambitions. They also revealed a truth that Odinga’s supporters had long maintained but that the Kenyan state had been reluctant to formally recognize: that Odinga’s five decades in politics, his imprisonment by the Moi regime, his role in agitating for multiparty democracy in the 1990s, his acceptance of a power-sharing arrangement after the disputed 2007 election, and his decision to pursue legal rather than violent remedies after losing in 2017 and 2022 had all been expressions of patriotism rather than personal ambition.

The choice of Mashujaa Day for this honor was itself laden with symbolism. Kenya’s national holiday, celebrated each October 20, was established to honor all heroes who contributed to the struggle for independence and nation-building. For years, it had been criticized as overly focused on a narrow group of freedom fighters from the 1950s Mau Mau rebellion, neglecting those who fought for democracy in subsequent decades. By dedicating the 2025 celebrations to Odinga and conferring the CGH upon him, Ruto effectively expanded the definition of who qualifies as a Kenyan hero.

Political analysts watching the ceremony noted the care with which Ruto framed Odinga’s legacy. The president emphasized Odinga’s commitment to national unity, his vision of Kenya as a prosperous first-world nation, and his refusal to succumb to bitterness despite repeated electoral defeats. Conspicuously absent was any detailed mention of the specific political battles that had defined Odinga’s career, the allegations of rigged elections that had followed him, or the contentious handshake between Odinga and then-President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 that had effectively sidelined Ruto himself for several years.

Instead, Ruto chose to position himself as the inheritor and implementer of Odinga’s vision. “He pledged to continue with the quest to make Odinga’s legacy for Kenya to be a first world country a reality,” invoking Odinga’s long-standing dream of transforming Kenya into an industrialized, food-secure, and economically independent nation. The president outlined priorities including food security, value addition in agriculture and manufacturing, and infrastructure development, all themes that Odinga had championed throughout his political career.

The invocation of food security carried particular resonance. Ruto noted that Kenya spends over 500 billion shillings annually importing rice, maize, and wheat, a figure that Odinga had often cited in his campaigns as evidence of government failure and misplaced priorities. By adopting this language and these concerns, Ruto was not merely honoring a fallen rival but appropriating elements of his political platform.

The presence of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as chief guest added an international dimension to the proceedings. Faye, himself a relative newcomer to power who had campaigned on pan-African themes, praised Kenya’s practice of honoring its heroes and described colonial history not merely as “enslavement but also struggle, dignity and justice long delayed.” His tribute to Odinga acknowledged the former prime minister’s stature beyond Kenya’s borders, his role in mediating conflicts across Africa, and his unsuccessful but historic bid to lead the African Union Commission.

Faye’s comments on Mashujaa Day as “an educational tool for transmission of our values” to future generations touched on a crucial question now facing Kenya. How will Raila Odinga be remembered? As a perpetual loser who never achieved his ultimate ambition? As a democratic martyr who was repeatedly cheated of victory? As an elder statesman who prioritized stability over power? Or as something more complex, a figure whose very inability to win the presidency somehow made possible his eventual recognition as a national hero unburdened by the controversies and compromises that inevitably accompany executive power?

The posthumous conferment of the Order of the Golden Heart suggests the Kenyan state has chosen a narrative of redemption and reconciliation. By elevating Odinga to the same honor reserved for presidents, Ruto has implicitly acknowledged that the question of who won which election matters less than the broader arc of service to the nation. It is a generous interpretation of history, one that papers over decades of contested results, political violence, and bitter recriminations.

Yet it is also an interpretation that many Kenyans seem willing to embrace. The seven days of national mourning declared for Odinga, the outpouring of grief that followed his death, and the scenes of rival politicians putting aside differences to honor him all suggest a country eager to move beyond the divisive politics that have characterized much of its post-independence history. The CGH may be a belated recognition, but it is recognition nonetheless.

For Ruto, the gesture carries both political and personal calculations. By magnanimously honoring his former opponent, he positions himself as a unifying figure capable of transcending partisan divisions. He also defuses potential criticism from Odinga’s supporters and the opposition coalition that might otherwise have used the funeral and memorial period to attack the government. Perhaps most importantly, he claims ownership over Odinga’s legacy and vision for Kenya, making it more difficult for opposition politicians to position themselves as Odinga’s true heirs.

The moment of silence observed at Ithooke Stadium for Raila Odinga was brief, but its implications will echo through Kenyan politics for years to come. When the nation’s children read about Mashujaa Day 2025 in their history textbooks, they will learn that a president who defeated Raila Odinga at the ballot box chose to honor him with the nation’s highest award. They will learn that greatness in service can be recognized even when it does not culminate in the highest office. And they will learn that in Kenya’s complex political landscape, yesterday’s rival can become today’s hero, and the boundaries between winner and loser, between president and opposition leader, are sometimes less important than the shared commitment to the nation itself.

As the sun set over Kitui and the celebrations concluded, one fact remained undeniable. Raila Amolo Odinga, who never became president, had achieved something perhaps more enduring. He had become, by presidential decree and national consensus, a hero of the republic. The Order of the Golden Heart resting on his chest, even in death, testified to a truth that transcends electoral politics. Some legacies are built not in State House but in the hearts of the people, and some honors, though delayed, eventually find their rightful recipient.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has paid a solemn visit to the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, a day after the statesman was laid to rest.

Arriving quietly at the Odinga family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Uhuru joined family members in what became a deeply personal moment of reflection.

In a video seen by the Star, Uhuru walked to the fresh gravesite, where Raila was interred on Sunday, October 19, 2025 and stood in silence as he paid his respects.

The former President bowed his head in prayer, remaining still for several moments.

At one point, he extended his hand towards the grave before continuing his silent reflection. He later clasped his hands together and prayed, his head lowered throughout the solemn act.

The intimate moment came with several members who stood nearby, offering quiet support.

The atmosphere was heavy with emotion, as the family and Uhuru honoured the memory of the man who was not only a political ally at one time, but also a long-standing friend.

Uhuru’s visit carried deep symbolic weight.

Throughout his presidency, he and Raila shared both rivalry and unity, culminating in the historic 2018 “handshake” that reshaped Kenya’s political landscape.

Their partnership was credited with diffusing political tensions and stabilising the country after the contentious 2017 elections.

Hundreds of mourners in Siaya County on Sunday had forced their way into the ancestral home, breaching tight security to access the burial site of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.

The emotional crowd, carrying twigs and chanting Raila’s name, surged past police and military officers moments after the casket had been lowered into the grave.

The mourners wailed uncontrollably as they made their way to the graveside, where final preparations were underway to seal the burial site.

Security officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, and county enforcement units had formed multiple rings of security around the family home to control access to the area.

However, the sheer number of mourners who had gathered outside the gates overwhelmed the officers, leading to a brief moment of confusion.

The crowd began pushing forward after the final prayer and committal rites were completed.

President William Ruto had left the burial site, but former President Uhuru Kenyatta and family members were still present.

Despite officers’ repeated appeals for calm, mourners insisted on getting closer to the grave to pay their final respects.

As they surrounded the grave, mourners sang traditional Luo dirges and liberation songs associated with Raila’s long political journey.

The quiet gesture comes amid a wave of national and continental mourning, as leaders and citizens continue to reflect on Raila’s legacy.

As dawn broke over Bondo Sunday, a heavy stillness settled across the region. Everyone was preparing for the final journey of not just a statesman, patriot, reformist but also the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Raila Odinga‘s death evoked sorrow that transcended politics, uniting a nation in grief.

While news of his death had spread across every corner of the republic, his elder brother Oburu Odinga flew home on Thursday to formally break the sad news to Raila’s clan.

It is called Kelo Yuak and signals the start of mourning. It paves way for relatives and friends to converge at the homestead, a move that embodies the Luo belief that grief, like joy, is shared.

In the Luo tradition, death is not an end but a passage. The funeral, or liel, is a sacred journey that ushers the soul into the world of the ancestors while restoring harmony among the living. Each rite — spiritual and communal — affirms identity, kinship, and continuity.

For the Odinga family, interring Raila beside his father at Kang’o Kajaramogi carried deep symbolism — a return to ancestral soil and the eternal bond between father and son.

Next comes Kunyo, the digging of the grave, led by the eldest male relative — an act of respect and spiritual connection. In the past, burial followed swiftly, but today, families hold Budho, an overnight vigil of songs, storytelling, and reflection.

When the body is brought home, golo, mourners line the roads waving green leaves — oboke — and chanting jowi, a cry of collective grief. The arrival is both spiritual and emotional, marking the reunion of the departed with his origins. Viewing the body allows the community to confront loss and find closure.

The burial ceremony, Iko, forms the climax of liel. For a leader of Raila’s stature, it merged state protocol with ancestral reverence.

Prayers, songs, and blessings from family, citizens, and dignitaries underscored a life that bridged tradition and modernity. His burial beside Jaramogi reaffirmed the continuity of leadership, legacy, and struggle.

After interment, the family may perform tero buru — driving bulls around the homestead to cleanse the land and chase away death’s spirit, symbolising renewal. Later, yueyo liel — cleaning and decorating the grave site — marks closure and peace.

Despite its solemnity, a Luo funeral is also a celebration of life where the homestead if filled with food, music, and dance with reflections amid the grief. Friends often contribute livestock and labour, transforming mourning into unity.

During the funeral ceremony at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, elders chanted Jowi, Jowi to unite the mourners in sorrow and ostensibly reunite Raila with his departed origins.

It was a solemn act of both spiritual and emotional, marking the reunion of the departed with his origins.

And as Raila was laid to rest next to his father at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, songs and prayers carried a message that was larger than loss — one of heritage, resilience, and renewal.

In the glow of vigil fires and the echoes of jowi, Raila Odinga’s spirit returned home — his legacy forever woven into the land and the hearts of his people.

It all started when strange things began happening in my house. The children would wake up screaming at night, complaining of dark figures standing near their beds. Food would go bad within hours, and the pets refused to enter the compound. I brushed it off at first, thinking maybe it was stress or coincidence. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.

Our once peaceful home had suddenly become a place of fear. Every night, I’d hear footsteps outside my window, yet every time I checked, there was no one there. My wife fell sick for weeks without a clear diagnosis. Doctors said she was fine, but her body told a different story.

We started losing money mysteriously too small amounts from the shop, misplaced items, and even spoilt goods that made no sense. That’s when I started suspecting our neighbor, a woman who had always shown quiet jealousy whenever she saw our family doing well.

She had once accused me of being proud because I built a new house before hers. Soon after that, she stopped greeting us, and her children avoided ours. The tension grew, but I tried to stay polite. However, things became unbearable when one night, I found a strange calabash buried near our main gate with ashes and red cloth inside. My heart froze. I knew it wasn’t ordinary. I called my brother immediately, and he advised me to seek spiritual help before things got worse. To continue reading, click here.

When I first walked into that courtroom, I felt like a defeated woman. My ex-husband had taken everything our house, our car, and even the business we built together. He had powerful connections, a top lawyer, and enough arrogance to make me believe I had no chance. People whispered that I would lose, that I was wasting my time fighting a man with money and influence. Still, I stood there, determined not to give him the satisfaction of watching me break down.

The first hearing was humiliating. His lawyer painted me as an ungrateful woman who didn’t deserve a single cent. He smiled confidently every time his lawyer spoke, and I could see the satisfaction in his eyes. My own lawyer seemed unmotivated, and it felt like I was fighting a losing battle. Each court date drained me emotionally and financially, but something inside me refused to give up. I prayed, cried, and hoped that somehow justice would be on my side.

One evening, I visited a cousin who had gone through a similar situation. She told me how she had overcome a powerful opponent in court after seeking help from Doctor Kashiririka. I had heard of him before, but I didn’t believe much in spiritual help. Yet, with nothing left to lose, I decided to contact him. The moment he picked up the phone, his calm voice gave me hope. I explained everything how I was losing my case, how my ex was determined to leave me with nothing. He listened patiently and assured me that with spiritual guidance, truth would prevail. To continue reading, click here.

Bondo, Kenya — The rhythmic cracks of a 17-gun salute echoed across Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo on Sunday evening as the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga was laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

The military honours, rarely accorded to a civilian leader, reflected the extraordinary stature Raila held in Kenya’s public life, a man who was never president yet carried the hopes of a nation for decades.

Moments after the coffin was lowered into the grave, Raila’s trademark cap and fly whisk, symbols of his political identity, were placed gently atop the casket by his longtime bodyguard Maurice Ogeta.

The quiet moment was followed by the sharp volleys of gunfire from the Kenya Defence Forces rifles.

Seventeen rounds pierced the Bondo sky in a powerful farewell befitting a statesman.

Although debate surrounded whether Raila would be granted a State funeral, President William Ruto confirmed during his address that he personally sanctioned the military honours.

“Some people tried to persuade me not to give Raila a State funeral with military honours,” Ruto said. “But I felt that as the people’s president, he deserved the honour given to heads of state.”

From the moment the government declared a seven-day period of national mourning and ordered flags to fly at half-mast, the tone of Raila’s send-off was unmistakably that of a State leader.

His body was flown back from India aboard a chartered aircraft and received a water cannon salute at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a ceremony reserved for national figures.

The following day, his body lay in state at Parliament Buildings, where thousands of Kenyans and dignitaries, including President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, paid their final respects.

At Nyayo National Stadium, during the national requiem mass, thousands of mourners gathered from all walks of life to honour the man many called Baba.

Later, his remains were flown to Kisumu aboard a Kenya Air Force C-27J Spartan, an aircraft usually designated for the President and senior military officers. Upon arrival, another water cannon salute greeted the flight, reaffirming the significance of the occasion.

According to the Defence Forces Standing Orders, the number of gun salutes given corresponds to a leader’s rank or position.

A 21-gun salute is reserved for a sitting head of state, while 19 guns honour retired presidents or those of equivalent authority such as the Chief of Defence Forces.

A 17-gun salute, which was accorded to Raila, is reserved for a retired Prime Minister, Vice President, or senior military officer.

This classification made Raila Odinga’s honour not only symbolic but also grounded in established military protocol. His service as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 placed him within that tier, making the salute a fitting tribute.

Previous state funerals help place the gesture in perspective. Retired Presidents Daniel arap Moi in 2020 and Mwai Kibaki in 2022 both received 19-gun salutes, while the late General Francis Ogolla, who served as Chief of Defence Forces, received the same. Raila’s 17-gun salute therefore matched his former national position and his standing as one of Kenya’s most influential leaders.

During the burial, which was conducted under Anglican rites, the military flag that had draped Raila’s coffin was formally handed to his widow, Mama Ida Odinga, in a solemn act of respect. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula presented a compilation of Raila’s parliamentary contributions, drawn from the Hansard and the tributes made in Parliament after his death.

As the final shots faded over Bondo, the ceremony closed a monumental chapter in Kenya’s political journey. Though Raila Odinga never wore the presidential sash, the sound of those 17 guns affirmed what millions of Kenyans already knew — that he had long earned his place among the nation’s greatest sons.

“He was never president, but he was presidential,” a senior officer quietly remarked after the ceremony. “That salute was not just for protocol. It was for history.”

President William Ruto on Sunday made a striking political pledge — to safeguard the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and ensure that the party founded by the late Raila Odinga remains a central force in Kenya’s political future.

Speaking during Odinga’s national funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Ruto said his administration would not allow the party to be “destroyed from within” or hijacked by opportunists.

In an unusually conciliatory tone, the Head of State — who once stood as Odinga’s fiercest political rival — described ODM as an institution too integral to Kenya’s democracy to be left to disintegration. He vowed to defend it in honor of the man he called “a hero of our democracy.”

“The thing I cannot accept, in honor of this hero of ours — and I will do everything possible, may God help me — is to block those who want to uproot the ODM party and play the opposition card out there. That will not be possible,” Ruto declared, drawing cheers from the mourners gathered under the Siaya sun.

Ruto assured ODM members that his government would respect the party’s independence while supporting its internal cohesion.

He framed the survival of ODM not as a threat to his own United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but as essential to Kenya’s multiparty system.

“I know I am the leader of UDA, but I want to assure ODM members — according to Baba’s wishes — that we will respect and support ODM to hold it together,” he said. “ODM must be strong as we go to 2027 because that is how we will have a strong government. Political parties are the foundation of democracy, and the strength of ODM matters a great deal to me.”

The President went further, suggesting that ODM’s collaboration with his administration would extend into the future.

“ODM will either form the next government or be part of it,” he declared, signaling a possible power-sharing approach that could reshape Kenya’s post-Raila political landscape.

Ruto also recounted a private conversation he had with Raila before his death, revealing that the former Prime Minister had made no demands when Ruto proposed ODM’s inclusion in government. Instead, Odinga suggested that the Finance Ministry be headed by someone from Nyanza — a gesture Ruto said reflected Raila’s selfless leadership.

“I told Baba, ‘I want us to give the first Minister of Finance from Nyanza that opportunity.’ Baba gave me two names — Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi. Today, I am proud that Baba and I made the decision to have John Mbadi as Kenya’s Minister of Finance,” Ruto said, as mourners applauded.

Ruto used the platform to defend his government’s economic record, claiming major progress since ODM joined what he described as a “broad-based unity government.” He cited falling inflation, a stronger shilling, and reduced interest rates as signs of Kenya’s economic recovery.

“Inflation has dropped from 9.6% to 4%, the exchange rate has improved from 165 to 129, and Kenya is now the sixth-largest economy in Africa,” Ruto noted.

However, Ruto’s remarks came against a backdrop of growing unease within ODM, as senior figures jostle for influence in the wake of Odinga’s passing. Party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna vowed to protect ODM’s legacy from internal splits, saying loyalty to Odinga’s vision would guide the party forward.

“Since Baba fell ill, I’ve been asking myself what I will do to make him proud. This is not the time to push divisive narratives in ODM,” Sifuna said. “I will not be among those who contribute to the failure of the party of Raila Odinga.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo cautioned that while unity was essential, it should not come at the expense of political pluralism.

“Even as we speak about unity, let us not kill political parties. They are the foundation of our democracy,” Orengo said.

Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister and Kisumu Woman Representative, added an emotional note, revealing that her brother’s dying wish was for ODM to remain united.

“Raila told me the day before he died that ODM must be united and strong,” she said. “We cannot have another ODM being led by a few people and another faction on the other side claiming ownership of the party.”

Raila Odinga, 80, died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in Kochi, India. He was laid to rest beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at their family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo — closing a monumental chapter in Kenya’s political history but opening new questions about the future of the movement he built.

Bondo, Siaya County – October 19, 2025

The sun dipped slowly over Bondo as the nation watched in solemn silence. Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s most enduring political figure and champion of democracy, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, beside his father and mentor, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

It was a moment steeped in history and emotion — the closing of a political chapter that defined Kenya’s post-independence struggle for justice and reform.

Raila’s casket, draped in the national flag, was carried to the family mausoleum under tight military guard. In a rare honour for a civilian leader, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) accorded him full military rites, including a 17-gun salute and the ceremonial “last post.” The honours were ordered through a presidential proclamation by President William Ruto, recognizing Raila’s unmatched contribution to the nation’s democratic evolution.

At exactly 4:53 p.m., the first cannon roared across the Bondo skyline. Seventeen thunderous shots followed, reverberating through the quiet countryside. Each round symbolized a chapter of Raila’s defiant yet dignified life in service to Kenya — from his imprisonment during the one-party era to his role in ushering in multiparty democracy and constitutional reform.

As the final echo faded, a lone bugler from the KDF band played the “Last Post,” a haunting melody that left mourners teary-eyed. Across the fields, people stood still — hands clasped, heads bowed. For a man who never became president, the state’s gesture of respect felt like a nation finally acknowledging his presidential spirit.

In Kenya’s military tradition, a 21-gun salute is reserved for a sitting head of state, while a former president receives 19 rounds. The decision to grant Raila 17 — a unique number in national history — was both symbolic and deliberate: a mark of his stature as a freedom fighter and statesman who transcended politics to become a national institution.

President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigerian ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, and several regional leaders attended the burial. Their presence reflected Raila’s influence far beyond Kenya’s borders.

Speaking earlier during the state funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), President Ruto delivered one of his most heartfelt tributes yet. “Many commentators say this is a big blow for me — yes, it is. It is a very big blow,” Ruto said, his voice heavy with emotion. “Raila Odinga was not just a political opponent; he was a mentor, a patriot, and a friend.”

The President’s words echoed a rare camaraderie that had blossomed between the two men in recent months, transforming decades of rivalry into mutual respect.

Raila’s final journey from Kisumu to Bondo was marked by massive crowds lining the roads, waving flags, and singing liberation songs that once fueled his political rallies. At the homestead, his wife Ida Odinga and their children — Winnie, Rosemary, and Raila Jr — stood beside the grave as prayers were said before family members laid flowers on the mound.

It was a farewell befitting a man who lived and died for the idea of a better Kenya — a man who bore the scars of struggle but never surrendered his dream of unity and justice.

As darkness settled over Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the last strains of the national anthem drifted through the night air. The people of Bondo whispered their final goodbyes to their son, their hero, their “Baba.”

And Kenya, heavy with grief yet proud of his legacy, laid to rest one of its greatest sons.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga has appealed to President William Ruto to commemorate the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by renaming Talanta Stadium after him and inviting Arsenal Football Club to Kenya.

Wanga made the request on Sunday during the late leader’s funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), saying the gestures would celebrate his legacy and inspire future generations.

“President William Ruto, allow me to thank you on behalf of the ODM party for the honour and dignity you have accorded our father and patron. You have handled everything personally, and we do not take that for granted. Your Excellency, we ask for one final honour as we lay Baba to rest: that upon its completion, the Talanta Sports Stadium be renamed the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium, and that Arsenal be invited to play Harambee Stars in his honour during the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup next year,” she said.

Raila, who has been a towering figure in Kenyan politics, will also be remembered for his deep and enduring passion for football, a sport he not only loved but credited with shaping his philosophical approach to the often turbulent world of politics.

For decades, he was a familiar face in stadiums across the country, whether cheering on the Harambee Stars or watching his beloved Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards. As patron of Gor Mahia, Raila went beyond ceremonial duties, actively supporting the club.

Weeks before his passing, he pledged Sh10 million to support the team’s 2025/2026 season and had previously rewarded them with Sh1 million after advancing in the CAF Champions League.

Raila’s support also extended to the national team, the Harambee Stars, reflecting a love for football that transcended politics.

He regularly attended matches, encouraged players, and personally motivated them through financial incentives. In August 2025, following Kenya’s victory over Zambia in the CHAN 2024 tournament, he promised each player Sh500,000, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent.

His passion for football also reached the global stage. Once a Manchester United supporter, Raila became a devoted Arsenal fan after Arsène Wenger joined the club, citing the French manager’s philosophy and style of play as irresistible. Through both local and international football, Raila left a lasting legacy as a patron, supporter and true lover of the sport.

Meanwhile, Wanga reminded mourners of Raila’s lasting instructions to work towards national unity and stability, a principle ODM will continue to uphold.

She highlighted Raila’s remarkable achievement in building a national, vibrant and dynamic party over the last two decades, noting that the ODM is the largest party across Kenya.

“Over 1.3 million ODM party officials, from polling stations to branches to counties, continue to mourn across the country. Baba was our true north. Today, we may not find him to consult him, but we must ask ourselves: what would Baba do faced with division or unity, hate or love, exclusion or inclusion, hope or despair?” she posed.

Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, has urged spouses of politicians to exercise wisdom, restraint, and understanding in managing their partners’ public relationships.

Speaking during the burial of her husband at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on Sunday, Ida shared a heartfelt lesson drawn from her decades-long journey beside the veteran opposition leader.

“To us, the spouses of these politicians down here, they will tell you the challenges are many and not easy to cope with,” she said.

“I learned that if you’re a spouse of a politician, inherit his friends, but don’t inherit his enemies.”

Ida explained that political life often comes with shifting alliances and rivalries, making it difficult for family members to understand the dynamics at play.

“Why do I say this? Because you’ll be sitting there at home, thinking so and so is an enemy of my husband because he belongs to a different political party or comes from another region,” she said

. “I tell you, you’ll be wrong. Don’t inherit his enemies, because tomorrow you’ll find that those people you thought were his enemies are his best friends — and you’ll be left out.”

Her remarks, which drew laughter and applause from mourners, were part of a deeply personal reflection on her life alongside Raila, whose political journey spanned more than four decades.

 Ida described her husband as a man of resilience, forgiveness, and an extraordinary ability to build bridges even with former rivals.

“Be careful when you are handling his friends,” she advised.

“Inherit his friends, but his enemies, let him deal with them the way he made them.”

Ida’s message resonated strongly among dignitaries, political leaders, and thousands of mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects to the late ODM leader.

Her words captured not only the challenges faced by political families but also the wisdom she gained from navigating Kenya’s often turbulent political landscape.

Throughout her speech, Ida emphasized the importance of peace, tolerance, and unity, values that defined Raila’s leadership and personal life. She urged Kenyans to honour his memory by continuing his legacy of reconciliation and national cohesion.

“Raila was not just my husband; he was a friend to many, even those who once stood against him,” she said.

“That’s the spirit we should all keep, to unite, not to divide.”

As the country bids farewell to Raila Odinga, Ida’s words served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between politics and personal life, and the enduring strength required to walk beside a leader who belonged to a nation as much as to his family.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 19 – Top Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) figures serving in President William Ruto’s administration have vowed to remain in the broad-based government, saying it was the late Raila Odinga’s wish for the party to work with the current regime.

The ODM-affiliated Cabinet Secretaries including Mining CS Hassan Joho, Cooperatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and EAC CS Beatrice Askul made the pledge during Odinga’s burial in Bondo, insisting that it was Raila himself who had directed them to join President Ruto’s administration as part of his broader vision for national unity and inclusivity.

“Raila showed us before he died that he wanted us to be in government as a community and as a party, we will support the broad-based government,” Treasury CS Mbadi stated.

Joho echoed the sentiment, stating, “I have never betrayed Raila and I cannot be anywhere where Raila has not taken me. I was taken to the government of William Ruto by Raila Odinga that is where I shall stay.”

Wandayi, Oparanya, and Askul also reaffirmed their allegiance to the administration, with Askul revealing that Raila had personally instructed her to continue supporting the government’s agenda.

Earlier ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga revealed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s final wish was for his party to remain in the broad-based government alongside President William Ruto.

Wanga said the ODM leader, in his last public engagement, made a conscious decision to align the opposition party with the ruling coalition in the spirit of national unity.

The statements come amid months of internal tension within ODM over the proposed partnership with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The debate has exposed deep ideological rifts: while some senior members back the move as a step toward political stability and inclusivity, a youthful faction led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has denounced it as a betrayal of ODM’s reformist legacy.

Raila’s passing now leaves ODM at a political crossroads balancing his legacy of opposition-driven reform with a pragmatic approach to governance.

Odinga, 80, died of cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in Kochi, India.

His death marks the end of an era for Kenya’s opposition politics and ushers in an uncertain phase for ODM, which must now decide whether to sustain its independence or embrace collaboration under the broad-based government framework.

Bondo, Siaya County — October 19, 2025

Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga has revealed that President William Ruto personally intervened to arrange the evacuation of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga to India for medical treatment — a gesture that underscores the quiet cooperation between the two political heavyweights who spent decades on opposite sides of Kenya’s political divide.

Speaking during the funeral service of his younger brother at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Oburu spoke with rare emotion, disclosing that the President not only chartered the flight that ferried Raila to India but also maintained constant contact with the Odinga family during his hospitalisation and after his death.

“I want to thank the President, who has stood with us since the time I told him Raila was sick. We sat down, and he is the one who organised the transport that flew Raila to India for treatment,” Oburu told mourners, his voice heavy with gratitude.

He added that President Ruto’s support went far beyond protocol or political convenience. Throughout Raila’s treatment abroad, Ruto was reportedly in frequent communication with the family, checking in on the opposition leader’s progress and offering words of comfort.

“I also want to tell you that the President kept vigil and always checked on him,” Oburu said, recalling how he personally updated the Head of State on Raila’s condition as it deteriorated. “The day Raila died, I was the one who called him and told him he was in a very critical condition. I called the President again and informed him when he passed. He was very sad — but he organised everything.”

According to Oburu, the President’s involvement extended to the arrangements for Raila’s return home and the state funeral that followed. From the coordination of military honors to logistical details surrounding Raila’s final journey to Bondo, Ruto’s administration reportedly handled every aspect “with dignity and sensitivity.”

“All these arrangements would have been too heavy for the family. Thank you, Your Excellency,” Oburu said. “Your presence and your personal support have brought us comfort.”

The revelations mark a deeply human moment in Kenya’s often-polarised political landscape.

Raila Odinga and William Ruto were longtime adversaries — their rivalry defined multiple election cycles — yet in the twilight of Raila’s life, politics appeared to give way to compassion and respect.

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s second Prime Minister (2008–2013), died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India.

His death has plunged the nation into mourning and united leaders from across the political spectrum in tribute to a man widely regarded as the conscience of Kenya’s democracy.

Thousands of mourners have gathered in Bondo for his final farewell, including African heads of state, diplomats, and citizens from all walks of life. He will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga — Kenya’s first Vice President and a founding architect of the nation’s independence.

For many Kenyans, Oburu’s revelation offered a poignant reminder that, even in a deeply divided nation, moments of humanity can bridge decades of political enmity.

In death, Raila Odinga continues to unite — not just his supporters, but the very leaders who once stood against him.

Bondo, Siaya County – Sunday, October 19, 2025

As the sun cast a solemn glow over the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Mama Ida Odinga stood before a sea of mourners — dignitaries, family, and ordinary Kenyans — her voice steady but heavy with emotion. For the first time since the passing of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, Ida spoke from the depths of a grief that has shaken not just her family but the soul of a nation.

“I never imagined that this would fall on me — to lead the family and the world in burying Raila. I hoped it would be the other way round,” she said, her words punctuated by quiet sobs across the crowd.

Dressed in an elegant black dress and matching hat, Ida began her tribute by acknowledging the hand of God even in tragedy. “With pain, without lamentation, I accept the will of God,” she declared — a line that resonated with the quiet dignity that has defined her through decades of public life.

The widow of Kenya’s most storied opposition leader thanked Kenyans, regional neighbours, and the international community for standing with the Odinga family in mourning a man who, for many, symbolized resilience and hope. She extended special gratitude to President William Ruto, noting that his administration had given her husband a send-off befitting his stature.

“Mr President, my family is grateful to you for being a man of your word and a man who stands with friends after committing to do so,” she said, to warm applause.

Ida also paid tribute to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom she described as a “true friend who has stood with us consistently,” underscoring the rare moments of political unity that have marked Raila’s final journey home.

But it was when she turned to her personal memories that Ida’s words cut deepest. She painted a picture of youthful optimism — a young university graduate who thought she had found a calm, reflective man far removed from the chaos of politics.

“When I married Raila, politics was the last thing on my mind,” she recalled, smiling faintly. “My friends and I had agreed we would marry professionals — engineers and doctors. I married an engineer, and they congratulated me. Little did I know I was marrying a political engineer who would make the engineering of Kenya his lifelong project.”

Her recollection drew laughter from mourners, a brief reprieve from the heaviness of the moment. After 54 years of marriage, Ida said she had learned that the life she shared with Raila was not defined by ease, but by endurance.

“If I were given another chance, even knowing what I know now — that I was marrying a man destined to be a politician — I would still marry Raila,” she said, her voice quivering slightly.

Ida described her husband as a devoted family man who, despite the pressures of public life, always made time for those he loved. “I think the next person after loving me, the other person that he loves — leave alone his children — is Dr Oburu,” she said, smiling warmly at Raila’s elder brother seated among family members.

She spoke candidly about the strains that politics placed on their marriage, admitting that there were times when public life overshadowed family life. But in those moments, she said, they always found their way back through conversation, forgiveness, and understanding.

“Juggling family and public life exerted extreme pressure and demands on us from time to time. I know most of the time Raila was more in political life than in family life, but every time he came home, he gave us what we deserved,” she reflected.

Her eulogy ended on a note both heartbreaking and hopeful. Speaking of Raila’s long political struggle — marked by detentions, betrayals, and unwavering courage — Ida said his spirit would forever outlive his body.

“He is never coming back,” she said softly, her gaze distant, “but the spirit lives on.”

As the mourners rose in applause, the moment felt larger than loss — it was a testament to a love that had endured the storms of politics, the scars of struggle, and the weight of history.

Raila may have been the face of Kenya’s democratic fight, but in that moment, Ida Odinga reminded the nation that behind every revolutionary, there stands a pillar — unshaken, unseen, but indispensable.

BONDO, Kenya, Oct 19 — The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga, has condemned the police for opening fire on mourners during the public viewing of Odinga’s body at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.

Speaking during Raila’s final funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo on Sunday, Dr. Wenwa said the violent incident dishonored the memory of a man who devoted his life to peace, justice, and compassion.

“Raila was magnanimous. He was forgiving. So what I want to say is that, because I know the overwhelming love that Raila received, he is very happy. But because he was so compassionate, I’m sure the only thing that would make him unhappy is that some of the people who came to receive him back got hurt by our security organs,” she said.

Dr. Wenwa criticized the use of excessive force by police, saying well-trained officers should be capable of managing large crowds without resorting to deadly means.

“I know you are supposed to be peaceful, but even our security organs — surely, you are well-trained. You should be able to control a rowdy crowd without killing them, without shooting them, without hurting them,” she said.

“So as a tribute and respect for Raila, let that be the last time that such a thing happens. I think that will be a befitting remembrance for him.”

Her remarks came amid widespread outrage over the police shooting that left at least three people dead and several others injured on Thursday, when chaos erupted during the public viewing of Odinga’s body.

Kasarani chaos

According to eyewitnesses, the violence began shortly after 3pm when crowds surged toward the VIP dais, where the veteran opposition leader’s body was lying in state.

Police responded with live ammunition and tear gas, sending mourners fleeing in panic.

Human rights group Vocal Africa has since confirmed the identities of some victims, including Evans Onyango Kiche, a 40-year-old father of three, and Vincent Otieno Ogutu, who also leaves behind a wife and three daughters.

“This is Mzee Meshack Okode weeping after seeing the body of his son, Vincent Otieno Ogutu, who was shot and killed today [Thursday] at Kasarani Stadium,” the organization posted, alongside a video showing the grieving father.

The government is yet to issue an official statement on the incident, which has sparked calls for an independent investigation and accountability for the officers involved.

Thursday’s chaos followed earlier disorder at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where supporters attempted to access Odinga’s body upon its arrival from India.

The public viewing was later relocated from Parliament Buildings to Kasarani Stadium to accommodate the massive crowds that had gathered to pay their last respects to the man who defined Kenya’s democratic struggle for decades.

BONDO, Siaya County, Oct 19 — Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has called for unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying it was her late brother Raila Odinga’s dying wish that the party remain “united and strong.”

Speaking during the funeral service in Bondo, she said the former Prime Minister had appealed shortly before his death.

“Raila told me the day before he died that ODM must be united and strong,” she said. “We cannot have another ODM led by a few people and another faction on the other side who think they own the party. We are going to go to any negotiation with a strong, united one ODM.”

ODM enjoys a working relationship with President William Ruto under a broad-based government that led to the appointment of opposition leaders to the cabinet.

The arrangement did not, however, go down well with some ODM members, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo who openly criticised it.

With Odinga now gone, a rift is threatening to emerge within the party, despite the appointment of Dr Oburu Oginga as the interim party leader.

Raila’s death could intensify the succession debate as ODM navigates the path to the 2027 General Election—seen by many as the party’s most significant test of unity. The veteran opposition leader, 80, died of cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in Kochi, India.

His passing leaves ODM at a crossroads: preserving his legacy while redefining its future in a shifting political landscape.

East African Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has hinted that she may soon return to local politics following the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.

Speaking during Raila’s final funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Siaya, Winnie’s short but deliberate remarks appeared to signal the beginning of a new political chapter.

Addressing President William Ruto before thousands of mourners and dignitaries, Winnie said, “Your Excellency, our people appreciate you honouring our father. Thank you for standing with us. You should also know, in case you are wondering, I’m ready to come back home.”

The crowd responded with applause as the President, seated beside Mama Ida Odinga, exchanged a brief glance before smiling, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by those present.

Her words, though few, carried the weight of a political inheritance that has defined Kenya’s modern history.

For many listening, this was not just a daughter speaking to a head of state, but an heir to a legacy hinting at her readiness to step into a national role.

Raila’s death has left a vast political vacuum, particularly in Nyanza where his influence shaped the region’s identity for more than four decades.

Winnie’s public acknowledgment of her intent to “come back home” instantly drew speculation that she may soon seek elective office locally.

Raila’s passing in India after a cardiac arrest has altered the country’s political rhythm.

His relationship with President Ruto in recent months had signaled a surprising détente between two longtime rivals.

The President had even championed Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship, a move that earned him rare goodwill from opposition supporters before the attempt failed earlier this year.

Analysts now say that without Raila’s balancing influence, the political understanding between Ruto and Odinga’s camp may begin to fray.

Winnie’s remarks, therefore, were not just personal but symbolic of a political transition taking shape.

“Her tone was assertive but respectful,” said Professor Adams Oloo, a political analyst. “That line about being ready to come back home was both emotional and strategic. It was a declaration that she intends to keep the Odinga name active in Kenyan politics.”

Throughout the mourning period, Winnie has embodied the resilience and discipline for which her father was known.

Her composure during public appearances has drawn admiration even from those outside her father’s political base.

Many Kenyans have described her as the face of continuity, a young leader inheriting not only a famous name but also a nation’s expectations.

She ended her speech with a now familiar phrase that has echoed across social media since Raila’s passing: “The king is dead, but long live the crown.” She then raised her fist and added, “God bless the republic, God bless Baba’s legacy.” The crowd rose to its feet, cheering as if pledging allegiance to a legacy that refuses to fade.

Winnie’s political journey began in earnest in 2022 when she was elected to represent Kenya at the East African Legislative Assembly.

Her election was seen as a strategic move, allowing her to gain experience within regional politics while avoiding the chaos of local campaigns.

She has served in Arusha with quiet determination, building networks and gaining a broader understanding of governance within the East African Community. Her five-year term is set to end in December 2027, but her words in Bondo suggest she might not wait that long before stepping into the Kenyan political field.

As Raila Odinga is laid to rest at the family home in Kang’o Kajaramogi, the moment feels like both an ending and a beginning.

The chapter of a political giant closes, but another story seems to be emerging in the same household. For many mourners, the symbolism was impossible to ignore.

The torch that illuminated Kenya’s struggles for democracy and justice for over half a century may soon be carried forward by his daughter.

In the stillness of Bondo, as the sun set over Lake Victoria, chants of “Baba’s spirit lives on” filled the air.

Whether Winnie Odinga will choose to formally enter the political arena remains to be seen, but on this day, before the eyes of the nation, she made it clear that she is ready to return home.

The nation mourned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday, October 15, but even as grief swept across Kenya, President William Ruto was busy at State House signing eight pieces of legislation that would fundamentally reshape how Kenyans live, work and express themselves online.

Among the bills assented to law that day was the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024, a piece of legislation so contentious it had drawn fierce opposition from digital rights groups, civil society organizations and even some members of parliament who warned it could be weaponized to silence dissent under the guise of fighting crime.

The timing has become a subject of intense debate. Civil society activists and legal experts have questioned whether the government deliberately chose a moment of national grief to push through controversial legislation, hoping it would escape the scrutiny it deserved.

As Kenyans turned their attention to the death of one of Africa’s most prominent statesmen, Ruto was quietly expanding government powers over the digital space in ways that alarm anyone who understands the delicate balance between security and freedom.

The Computer Misuse law grants the government authority to seek court orders for pre-emptive shutdowns of online platforms believed to be facilitating criminal activity, even before any actual harm occurs.

This marks a dramatic shift in how Kenya polices the internet, moving from reactive enforcement to predictive censorship.

The law empowers the National Computer and Cyber-Crimes Coordination Committee, an authorized person, to issue a directive to render a website or application inaccessible where it is proved that the website or application promotes unlawful activities.

The categories are broad and troubling.

Child pornography, terrorism, extreme religious activities and cultist practices can now trigger website shutdowns and content removal orders.

The private member’s bill sponsored by Wajir East MP Aden Mohamed amends the 2018 Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to introduce new definitions that expand what the government considers cybercrime.

The law now introduces specific offenses for phishing and scams, with general cybercrime penalties raised to Sh10 million or 20 years imprisonment for severe cases .

During parliamentary debate, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, who chairs the Departmental Committee on Information, Communication and Innovation, defended the amendments as necessary.

He pointed to statistics showing that Kenyans spend an average of four hours and twelve minutes online daily, making the country vulnerable to phishing attacks, fake news, cyberbullying and AI-generated disinformation . Kiarie told the House that with more than eight out of every ten posts likely to be fake or toxic, the country needed to fortify its digital laws.

His colleague from Dagoretti North, Beatrice Elachi, argued the changes would help Kenya respond to mounting international pressure, particularly from the European Union, which has criticized the country for failing to adequately police digital child abuse.

She warned that young Kenyans seeking educational opportunities abroad could find their prospects damaged by harmful digital footprints.

But not everyone in parliament celebrated.

Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo issued a stark warning during debate, cautioning that the inclusion of terrorism as grounds for content removal could be abused by authorities to target legitimate political activity.

He regretted that under the provision, even citizens sharing photos of protests could be unfairly targeted , noting that Kenya already has an Anti-Terrorism Act.

The online backlash has been swift and unforgiving. Digital rights advocates have characterized the law as a tool of control rather than protection, pointing to Kenya’s recent history of internet shutdowns and restrictions.

The Kenya ICT Action Network warned in an earlier statement that given Kenya’s recent history of shutting down the internet in June 2024 and blocking messaging applications like Telegram in November 2023, the proposal appeared to be yet another attempt to formalize and expand government censorship .

Legal experts have raised constitutional concerns, arguing that the law blurs the line between security enforcement and policing of speech, leaving too much room for abuse.

Terms like offensive content and false publication are vague enough to criminalize satire, commentary or even genuine mistakes .

The heavy penalties have also sparked outrage. Individuals found guilty of sending messages that incite fear, violence or serious offense could face fines of up to Sh20 million or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Critics argue these penalties are disproportionate and could devastate ordinary internet users who fall afoul of the law.

In a country where online dissent is a powerful tool and government critics have faced abduction, this law hands the state a very sharp, double-edged sword , warned one digital rights publication.

The fears are not unfounded.

Kenya has seen a pattern of using existing cybercrime laws to target activists and bloggers who criticize the government.

The law also expands the definition of identity theft to include passwords and explicitly criminalizes digital impersonation, data harvesting and phishing.

Anyone who willfully causes unauthorized alteration and unlawfully takes ownership of another person’s SIM card with intent to commit an offense will face imprisonment for up to two years or a fine not exceeding Sh200,000.

Beyond the cybercrime law, the other seven bills signed that day carry their own weight. The Privatization Act 2025 introduces what the government calls a transparent, accountable legal blueprint to accelerate privatization of State-owned companies.

The initiative aligns with Ruto’s plan to privatize entities including Kenya Pipeline Company, which the government hopes will raise Sh100 billion to help plug the Sh871 billion deficit in the Sh4.3 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year.

The new law creates a Privatization Authority to replace the Privatization Commission and establishes a Privatization Appeals Board to handle disputes.

The board will consist of a chairperson appointed by the president, an accredited arbitrator and three other persons appointed by the Cabinet Secretary of the National Treasury.

The National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Act, sponsored by Suna West MP Peter Masara, recognizes the importance of mental health of police officers.

The law mandates the NPSC to establish a counseling and psychosocial support unit devolved to all counties to promote the mental health and wellbeing of police officers as well as civilian members of the service.

This comes after recent reports of injury and loss of life among police due to mental wellness challenges.

The Land (Amendment) Act, sponsored by Ruiru MP Simon King’ara, requires the Chief Land Registrar to register all public land allocated to a public body or institution by the National Land Commission and any land set aside by a developer for a public purpose.

The move is designed to prevent land grabbing by ensuring all public land has title deeds and is published in the Kenya Gazette.

The National Land Commission (Amendment) Act by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya extends NLC’s power to interrogate past land injustices for an additional five years. The commission will now review all grants or dispositions of public land to establish their propriety or legality until October 2030.

Baya says the extension will allow the commission to resolve land issues in Coastal counties and issues relating to public land previously earmarked for settlement of landless persons.

The Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Act reallocates funds from the Tourism Promotion Fund to the Tourism Fund to eliminate duplication of roles and improve efficiency.

The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, sponsored by Lamu East MP Captain Ruweida Obo, includes additional marine wildlife among species for which victims may be compensated for injury or death. Kenyan communities living adjacent to marine areas can now be compensated for injuries suffered from attacks by sharks, stonefish, whales and stingrays.

But it is the cybercrime law that has dominated conversations online and in civil society circles.

As Kenya grapples with the implications of this new legal regime, questions remain about how authorities will balance legitimate law enforcement concerns with constitutional protections for freedom of expression and media freedom.

Civil society organizations have indicated they are studying the law for potential constitutional challenges, setting the stage for what could be a protracted legal battle over the future of Kenya’s digital space.

In a country where the internet has become the primary battleground for political discourse, particularly among the youth who drove last year’s Gen Z protests, any law that gives the government power to shut down platforms and remove content will face fierce resistance.

The signing ceremony on October 15 may have been overshadowed by Raila’s death, but the laws enacted that day will shape Kenya long after the grief subsides. Whether they protect Kenyans or police them remains the subject of an angry, urgent debate that shows no signs of ending.

As Kenya continues to mourn the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, one of his most ardent supporters, activist Calvince “Gaucho” Okoth, has captured the mood of a nation with an emotional reflection that has gone viral across social media platforms.

“Raila was never a President, yet he was loved more deeply than most who ever held the title,” Gaucho wrote, his words resonating deeply across a country still struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of its most influential figures.

In a powerful Facebook post titled “Let Us Mourn First,” the self-styled “Ghetto President” urged Kenyans to pause the growing political chatter surrounding Raila’s succession and instead focus on honoring his legacy. “Hold on for a moment,” he began. “Kenya is still mourning. The wind of sadness has engulfed the Luo nation. Our King has fallen.”

Since Raila’s passing in India last week, Kenya has witnessed scenes of unity and sorrow rarely seen in recent memory. From Nairobi to Kisumu and Bondo, thousands have flooded roadsides and stadiums to pay their last respects. The reception of Raila’s body in Kisumu on Saturday morning drew massive crowds, transforming the lakeside city into a sea of emotion.

For many, Raila was not just a politician — he was a symbol of resistance, resilience, and hope. His influence cut across tribes, generations, and ideologies. Gaucho’s tribute captured that spirit: “He was more than a politician. He was a rhythm, a heartbeat, a lifestyle. He lived in our songs, in our struggles, in the stubborn hope that tomorrow could still be better.”

The activist also took aim at those already positioning themselves as Raila’s political heirs. “Before soil touches his casket, we already hear voices debating succession,” he lamented. “Kingpinship is not a job you apply for, nor a seat you buy. It is a calling — a spiritual inheritance.”

His words struck a nerve among Raila’s supporters and critics alike. For decades, Odinga was the face of opposition politics, a man who never ascended to the presidency but commanded unmatched loyalty from millions.

Gaucho’s post ended with a poetic farewell:

“For some men are not replaced.

They become stories.

They become songs.

They become legends.”

As Raila’s body lies in state ahead of burial in Bondo, his supporters say his legacy will outlive any office. For them, Raila Odinga may never have been sworn in as President — but he ruled their hearts all the same.

“Let us mourn first,” Gaucho reminded the nation. “Let the wails rise, let our drums rest, and let the land breathe.”