Category: News

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has paid a glowing tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a once-in-a-generation leader whose ideals and vision will continue to inspire future generations.

In an emotional message shared during the memorial gathering at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Governor Nyong’o said only a few leaders in history have left such an enduring mark on their people.

“Very few leaders have left a mark so indelible that generations will keep them with reverence. Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga is one such leader,” he said.

Nyong’o noted that thousands of Kenyans had thronged the stadium to celebrate Raila’s life and legacy, honouring a man who spent decades fighting for democracy, justice, and equality.

“Wananchi for whom you have stood fighting over the years thronged Jomo Kenyatta Stadium–Mamboleo to celebrate your extraordinary life,” the governor stated.

Nyong’o lauded the former Prime Minister’s courage, ideals, and unrelenting commitment to the cause of a democratic Kenya, saying his influence went far beyond politics.

“Jakom, you were truly the most consequential and a once-in-a-generation leader. You transcended politics, and your ideals, courage, and vision for a democratic Kenya will continue to guide and inspire generations for years to come,” he said.

“Go well, Captain!”

The tribute was part of the national mourning events honouring Raila, whose passing has drawn condolences from across Kenya, Africa, and the world.

The ODM leader died on Wednesday, October 15.

He was undergoing treatment in India.

President William Ruto announced that he would be given a state funeral with full military honours.

He also announced seven days of national mourning, where the national flag would fly at half-mast.

On Saturday, the body of the former Prime Minister was airlifted to Kisumu, where Nyanza residents were accorded a chance to view his body ahead of burial on Sunday.

A wave of mourning swept through Kondele, Nyalenda, Kibuye, and the lakeside city’s central business district.

The atmosphere was charged with sorrow, nostalgia, and deep affection for a man many considered the symbol of their struggle.

The former Prime Minister’s burial is set for Sunday, October 19, 2025.

The burial, according to his brother Oburu Oginga, will be held in private with only very few people allowed to participate.

In Bondo, the body will be taken to Raila’s Opoda home for a night vigil ahead of burial at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi on Sunday.

Omollo assured the maximum security of mourners in Kisumu and Bondo to ensure Raila is buried as a statesman and a patriot, he was.

The plane carrying Raila Odinga’a remains landed at Bondo, Siaya County, at around 4:20 pm, after a six-hour public viewing exercise at Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu.

The public viewing concluded at 3:10 PM, marking a poignant moment for thousands of mourners who had gathered to pay their final respects.

At around 3:50 pm, the aircraft departed Kisumu for Opoda Farm in Bondo, where the body will remain overnight ahead of the burial ceremony scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025.

While authorities opted for airlifting to ensure timely arrival and minimise logistical challenges, some residents wanted the body to be transported by road, as originally planned by the government.

They argued that a road procession would have allowed more people along the route to witness the farewell, making the journey a more public tribute to the late leader.

Originally, the plan was to transport Raila’s body by road to Bondo after the viewing. However, due to massive crowds and narrow single-lane roads along the 75-kilometre route, authorities announced at 1:10 pm that the body would instead be airlifted to Opoda Farm in Bondo for an overnight stay ahead of the burial ceremony.

Earlier in the day, the public had begun viewing the remains at Mamboleo Grounds at 9:40 am, following the arrival of the body in Kisumu via military aircraft.

The careful management of the event ensured that thousands of mourners could honour Raila in a dignified and orderly manner.

Raila will be laid to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, the ancestral home and family graveyard in Bondo, beside his father, Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

The site, which also houses a mausoleum and museum dedicated to Jaramogi’s legacy, will serve as a symbolic resting place, highlighting the Odinga family’s enduring influence in Kenya’s political and cultural history.

A somber yet electrifying atmosphere engulfed Kisumu on Saturday morning as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived in the lakeside city, where thousands of mourners thronged the streets to pay their final respects to the man many called Baba.

The Kenya Air Force helicopter carrying Odinga’s remains, code-named ENIGMA01, touched down at Kisumu International Airport shortly after 7:40 a.m. under tight security.

The aircraft, draped in the national flag, received a ceremonial military water salute from fire tenders — a gesture of high honour reserved for distinguished statesmen.

Moments later, uniformed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) pallbearers, marching in slow precision, transferred the casket—draped in the national flag—from the aircraft to a waiting military hearse as the KDF band played the solemn tune of Abide With Me.

From the airport to Mamboleo Stadium, Kisumu was a sea of humanity.

Tens of thousands of mourners, waving orange flags and portraits of the late ODM leader, lined the 7-kilometre stretch, chanting liberation songs and freedom slogans that defined Odinga’s decades-long political struggle.

The motorcade, escorted by KDF trucks and National Police Service outriders, moved at a crawling pace as emotional supporters surged forward to catch a glimpse of the convoy. Some waved handkerchiefs and sang Baba, you’ll never walk alone, while others wept openly.

At Mamboleo International Stadium, a brief interdenominational service led by clerics from various faiths was held before the start of public viewing. The casket, placed on a raised platform draped in white and green, was surrounded by armed guards standing at attention.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, addressing the mourners, urged residents to maintain calm and celebrate Raila’s life through unity and peace. “Let us honour Baba’s legacy not by sorrow alone, but by continuing his lifelong dream for justice and equality,” he said.

The event came just a day after a State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium, which drew leaders from across Africa and the world.

However, the ceremony had been briefly disrupted by a stampede that left several people injured, prompting tighter security measures in Kisumu.

Odinga’s body will lie in state at Mamboleo Stadium for public viewing throughout the day before being transported to his Bondo home in Siaya County on Sunday for the final burial rites.

The government has declared a seven-day national mourning period, during which flags will fly at half-mast. President William Ruto, who received the body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday alongside Mama Ida Odinga, is expected to attend the Bondo service.

As dawn broke over the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, Kisumu stood still — united in grief and pride — as it welcomed home a man whose name, struggle, and legacy will forever be etched in Kenya’s history.

In one of the most solemn moments in Kenya’s aviation history, Captain SavieMaria Ondego — the pilot who flew the Kenya Airways aircraft repatriating the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga — has opened up about the extraordinary experience of commanding flight RAO001, describing it as “surreal” and unlike any other in her career.

The Kenya Airways Boeing 737-800 carrying the remains of the late opposition leader touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:33 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, greeted by an unprecedented water cannon salute — the first ever accorded to a Kenyan political leader. Two fire trucks arched jets of water over the aircraft as it taxied to a stop, a gesture of national respect for a man who defined Kenya’s democratic struggle.

“I’m SavieMaria Ondego, captain on the 737-800,” she said in an emotional Kenya Airways video that has since gone viral. “It was a surreal moment. Every day is not a normal day in our job — we just fly the roster. But there was a heaviness and a responsibility to our country that made this not a normal flight.”

The aircraft, originally scheduled as KQ203, had its call sign changed to RAO001 in honour of Raila Odinga — a symbolic tribute approved by Kenya Airways management and aviation authorities.

As the crew prepared for departure from India, the weight of the occasion was overwhelming. Captain Ondego recalled struggling to address passengers moments before takeoff.

“I went to speak and nothing came out,” she said. “I had to come off the speaker, take a deep breath, and then try again. My voice was shaky, but it was important to me. Somehow, the words flowed. We all knew this was not just a flight — it was a mission to bring a national hero home.”

For Jason Mose, the in-flight performance manager, the journey was equally emotional.

“This was both overwhelming and humbling,” he said. “I knew I had to go because I was representing Kenya — the entire nation. It was an honour to be part of the team entrusted to bring home the Right Honourable Raila Odinga.”

Mose said the crew felt a deep sense of empathy and national unity throughout the mission.

“Our hearts go out to the Odinga family, to all Kenyans, and to our Kenya Airways fraternity,” he added. “Raila Odinga supported this company immensely, and we understood the weight of this moment — not just for us, but for every Kenyan.”

When the plane’s doors finally opened at JKIA, President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and members of the Odinga family stood at the foot of the aircraft to receive the casket, which was draped in the Kenyan flag.

A solemn silence engulfed the tarmac as soldiers bore the coffin onto a ceremonial platform.

Outside the airport, thousands of mourners lined Nairobi’s streets — waving flags, holding portraits, and chanting liberation songs in memory of the man who shaped Kenya’s post-independence political journey.

The government declared Friday, October 17, a national public holiday to honour Raila’s legacy. A State Funeral Service was held at Nyayo Stadium, followed by an overnight vigil at his Karen residence. On Saturday, the body was flown to Kisumu and later transported by road to his Bondo home in Siaya County for final burial on Sunday, in accordance with Anglican traditions.

Raila Odinga, aged 80, passed away in Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death marked the end of an era for a leader whose life was defined by resilience, reform, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

As Captain Ondego summed it up:

“It was not a normal flight. It was history in motion — and we were humbled to carry our nation’s spirit through the skies.”

The morning air hung heavy over Nairobi on Friday, October 17, 2025, as the casket bearing the body of Raila Amolo Odinga was lifted onto a gun carriage and began its solemn journey from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings.

The national flag flew at half-mast across the capital, and thousands lined the streets in silence as the Kenya Defence Forces band played mournful hymns that echoed through the city’s boulevards.

Above, a police helicopter circled Parliament in what seemed a ceremonial tribute to a man who had spent decades addressing crowds from those very grounds, calling for change, justice, and reform.

This was no ordinary funeral. It was a state funeral with full military honors, a distinction reserved for only the most consequential figures in Kenya’s history.

As Odinga’s body lay in state at Parliament Buildings, guarded by uniformed officers standing at attention, the nation paused to acknowledge that one of its most polarizing yet influential political figures had taken his place among an exceedingly select group of Kenyans to receive such recognition.

The procession from Parliament to Nyayo Stadium captured the magnitude of the moment. The gun carriage, draped in the tricolor national flag, moved with deliberate slowness as soldiers marched alongside with military precision.

When the casket arrived at the stadium where thousands had gathered, pallbearers lifted it with ceremonial care as choir harmonies mingled with the rhythmic beat of drums.

The scene was steeped in reverence, a final salute to a man who had, for more than five decades, shaped and reshaped Kenya’s political landscape.

State funerals in Kenya are not commonplace events. They are rare, carefully orchestrated ceremonies that blend Commonwealth traditions with African cultural practices, reserved exclusively for individuals whose lives have indelibly marked the nation’s consciousness.

The practice of lying in state, borrowed from British ceremonial tradition, serves both symbolic and democratic purposes. It allows ordinary citizens to participate in bidding farewell to extraordinary leaders, creating moments of collective mourning that transcend political divides.

The blueprint for Kenya’s state funerals was established in 1978 following the death of founding president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

When Kenyatta died suddenly in Mombasa, his body was flown to Nairobi and placed in state at Parliament Buildings in a glass-topped coffin. For ten days, Kenyans from every corner of the young republic filed past, many weeping openly.

The funeral itself was unprecedented in its grandeur. The Kenya Army led a magnificent procession with the casket mounted on a gun carriage pulled by naval officers.

A nineteen-gun salute thundered across the city, followed by the haunting notes of “The Last Post,” the military bugle call signaling the end of duty.

Fighter jets roared overhead in tight formation. It was the first time independent Kenya had witnessed such pageantry, a declaration to the world that a founding father had departed.

For the next quarter century, no other Kenyan would receive comparable honors. The grandeur of Kenyatta’s farewell remained singular until 2003, when Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa died just months into his tenure in the NARC government. Wamalwa’s body lay in state at Parliament, marking the first time a vice president received such recognition.

However, his funeral, while solemn and state-funded, lacked the full military honors accorded to Kenyatta. There was no gun carriage, no artillery salute, no aerial display. The distinction was clear: state funerals could be granted, but full military honors remained reserved for an even more exclusive tier.

This pattern continued with subsequent state funerals. When Professor Wangari Maathai, the Nobel laureate and environmental champion, died in 2011, President Mwai Kibaki’s government accorded her a state funeral, the first woman in Kenya’s history to receive such recognition.

Her coffin, crafted from water hyacinth and bamboo in tribute to her environmental legacy, was carried by Kenya Defence Forces pallbearers.

The military presence added ceremonial weight, but there were no gun salutes or fighter jet formations. Instead, her farewell featured songs, poetry, and green tributes celebrating her life’s work protecting Kenya’s forests and championing human rights.

Former First Lady Lucy Kibaki’s state funeral in 2016 followed a similar pattern.

Held in Othaya and officiated by clergy with uniformed officers present, it was dignified yet subdued, lacking the military spectacle that defines the highest level of state recognition.

The landscape changed dramatically in 2020 with the death of Daniel arap Moi, Kenya’s longest-serving president.

At age ninety-five, Moi’s passing marked the end of an era. His coffin lay in state for three days at Parliament as Kenyans queued for hours to pay their respects.

On the morning of his burial, the sound of artillery fire echoed across Nairobi as the Kenya Army delivered a nineteen-gun salute.

His casket was drawn on a gun carriage to Nyayo Stadium, escorted by a full military parade. Fighter jets painted contrails across the sky, and buglers from the Defence Forces played “The Last Post.” Moi had joined Kenyatta in that most exclusive club: presidents who received full military honors at burial.

Two years later, when Mwai Kibaki died in April 2022, the nation once again engaged in the familiar rituals of state mourning.

The government declared three days of national mourning, and Kibaki’s body lay in state at Parliament for public viewing. At Nyayo Stadium, the Kenya Defence Forces executed the ceremony with characteristic precision. A gun carriage bore his flag-draped coffin.

As the national anthem played, a nineteen-gun salute broke the morning silence, each volley symbolizing the nation’s final respect to a leader remembered for economic reform and quiet integrity. Kibaki became the third president to receive full military honors, cementing the tradition that Kenya’s heads of state would be honored with the highest ceremonial protocols.

Between these presidential funerals, other notable Kenyans received state recognition without full military honors. In 2023, Mukami Kimathi, widow of Mau Mau freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, was accorded a state funeral in Nyandarua County.

Though not granted a gun salute, military officers formed part of her procession in a ceremony both historical and symbolic, representing the nation finally paying its debt to the freedom generation.

The following year brought an unusual state funeral for marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car crash at just twenty-four. His coffin was draped in the national flag in recognition of the pride he brought Kenya through his record-breaking achievements.

It was a rare honor for a sportsman, demonstrating that state funerals could extend beyond politicians to encompass national heroes from other spheres.

Then, in April 2024, came the devastating death of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, Chief of Defence Forces, in a helicopter crash alongside nine officers. His send-off in Siaya combined the highest state and military traditions.

A gun carriage bore his flag-draped coffin, and a nineteen-gun salute thundered through the hills as military jets soared overhead.

It was perhaps the most complete display of military ceremony Kenya had witnessed since independence, honoring not just a general but the very institution of the armed forces.

The Defence Forces follow strict protocols regarding military honors.

According to their Standing Orders, full military honors typically include a flag-draped casket signifying state burial, military pallbearers, a gun salute, and the playing of “The Last Post.” Those entitled to state burials include serving and retired presidents, serving and retired prime ministers who act as head of state or government, serving and retired vice or deputy presidents, and general officers up to the rank of brigadier.

The orders further stipulate graduated honors: serving presidents receive a twenty-one-gun salute, retired presidents and sitting prime ministers receive nineteen guns, while retired prime ministers are honored with seventeen guns.

With Raila Odinga’s funeral, Kenya adds a tenth name to its list of state funerals and a fifth to the even more exclusive roster of those accorded full military honors.

As a former prime minister who served in Kenya’s unique power-sharing government from 2008 to 2013, Odinga occupied a constitutional role that entitled him to the highest ceremonial recognition. Yet his inclusion in this pantheon extends beyond constitutional entitlement.

Odinga’s political career spanned more than five decades, during which he emerged as one of Kenya’s most consequential figures, shaping the nation’s democratic trajectory through liberation struggles, election battles, constitutional reforms, and ultimately coalition governance.

The symbolism of according Odinga full military honors carries particular weight given his complex relationship with Kenya’s security establishment over the years.

From his detention without trial in the 1980s to his role as prime minister commanding state resources, his journey traced Kenya’s own evolution from authoritarian rule to multiparty democracy

The military precision with which his funeral was conducted, the gun carriage bearing his remains, the nineteen-gun salute echoing across Nairobi, represented not just protocol but reconciliation, a nation acknowledging that even its most contentious political figures deserve honor when their service to the republic is undeniable.

As Odinga’s coffin rested under tight military guard ahead of his final journey to Bondo, the bugler’s notes still hung in the air, marking both an ending and a beginning.

The closing of one era and the quiet assurance that in Kenya, some legacies transcend the political battles that defined them. State funerals with full military honors remain rare precisely because they are meant to unite the nation beyond partisan divisions. They are moments when flags, anthems, and uniforms merge into collective acts of remembrance.

From the solemn march at Kenyatta’s funeral to the thundering salutes at Raila Odinga’s send-off, each ceremony has reminded Kenyans that their nation still knows how to honor service, sacrifice, and leadership. The military presence at these funerals, with its discipline, order, and solemnity, offers a visual metaphor for continuity, suggesting that even as individual leaders pass, the institutions they served endure.

Kenya’s ten state funerals spanning nearly five decades tell the story of a nation grappling with how to honor its most significant figures.

They reveal a country that has developed its own ceremonial traditions, blending inherited Commonwealth protocols with indigenous practices to create uniquely Kenyan moments of national mourning.

The distinction between state funerals with and without full military honors reflects careful calibration of recognition, ensuring that the highest ceremonial protocols remain reserved for those whose roles and contributions merit the nation’s most solemn tribute.

Raila Odinga now joins Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Francis Ogolla in that most exclusive circle. His entry into this coveted book represents more than ceremonial protocol.

It marks official recognition that however divisive his politics may have been during his lifetime, his contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey earned him a place among those the nation chooses to immortalize not through power, but through the way it says goodbye.

As the final preparations continue for his burial in Bondo, the message resonates clearly: in Kenya’s evolving democracy, even the fiercest opposition leader can ultimately be embraced by the state, honored with its highest military traditions, and remembered as someone who, despite everything, served the republic.

That transformation from political combatant to honored statesman, formalized through the ancient rituals of military pageantry, may be the most powerful legacy of Kenya’s state funerals with full military honors.

KISUMU, Kenya — The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga was this morning airlifted to the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, aboard a National Intelligence Service (NIS) helicopter, marking a historic and emotional moment in the lakeside city.

The NIS chopper made the short but symbolic flight from Kisumu International Airport, shortly after the arrival of a Kenya Air Force aircraft that had ferried the late opposition leader’s body from Nairobi. The military jet, code-named ENIGMA01 in honour of Raila’s nickname “the political enigma,” touched down at 7:30 a.m. to a solemn reception.

Upon arrival, the flag-draped casket was received by a military guard of honour as top government officials, military officers, and members of the Odinga family stood in silence.

A ceremonial water salute by the Kenya Airports Authority’s fire and rescue unit followed, marking the official commencement of the day’s proceedings.

The NIS chopper, carrying Raila’s remains, lifted off moments later amid chants of “Baba! Baba!” from mourners gathered outside the airport.

It touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo to a sea of humanity—thousands of mourners waving flags, clutching portraits, and singing liberation songs associated with the late leader’s decades-long fight for democracy.

By mid-morning, the stadium was filled to capacity, with crowds spilling over into adjacent roads and open spaces.

Emotional scenes played out as Raila’s casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was carried by uniformed pallbearers to a raised platform where it will lie in state for public viewing throughout the day.

Security across Kisumu has been heightened, with multi-agency teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and county enforcement units stationed at key entry points and around the stadium. Checkpoints and emergency response units have also been established to manage the massive crowds.

Raila’s body will later be transported to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where a state funeral is scheduled for Sunday. The event is expected to attract national leaders, foreign dignitaries, and global figures who shared in his political journey.

The mood in Kisumu remains heavy with emotion. Streets across the city are lined with residents holding candles and flowers, many recalling Raila Odinga not just as a politician, but as a father figure and champion of justice.

As Kisumu stands still in mourning, one phrase continues to echo across the city: “Baba has come home.”

The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived in Kisumu on Saturday morning, marking a deeply emotional moment for thousands of mourners who thronged the lakeside city to receive their departed leader.

The Kenya Air Force military jet carrying the remains of the veteran opposition leader touched down at the Kisumu International Airport at exactly 7:30 a.m. under tight security and a heavy cloud of silence.

As the aircraft taxied to a halt, grief and pride blended in the air — the moment symbolizing the final homecoming of a man many in Nyanza and across Kenya considered a father of democracy.

By dawn, the streets of Kisumu were already overflowing with mourners waving flags, singing liberation songs, and blowing vuvuzelas.

From Kondele to Mamboleo, the city came to a standstill as chants of “Baba! Baba!” echoed across the streets.

At the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, where Raila’s body was to lie in state, thousands had already filled the stands by 7 a.m. Women in traditional attire sang Luo dirges, men beat drums, and youth groups from Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori danced in unison as they awaited the convoy.

The casket, draped in the national flag, will lie in state at Mamboleo for public viewing throughout the day.

Residents will be allowed to file past and pay their final respects to the man whose political life spanned over four decades and whose influence shaped Kenya’s post-independence democracy.

Later in the afternoon, the body will be transported by road to Bondo in Siaya County, where it will rest overnight ahead of the burial arrangements.

The journey will be undertaken under full state honours, with military escort and a formal convoy comprising national and regional leaders.

Security has been heightened across Kisumu and Bondo, with coordination between the Kenya Police Service, the National Youth Service, and local volunteers to manage the unprecedented crowds.

Roads leading to Mamboleo Stadium have been cleared, and authorities have urged mourners to maintain order and arrive early to avoid congestion.

For the people of Nyanza, this moment marks not just a farewell, but the closing of a chapter in Kenya’s political history — a final tribute to the man who inspired generations to believe in change.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has broken his silence on the death of Kenyan opposition stalwart Raila Odinga, hailing him as a “true champion of democracy” who prioritized his country’s interests over personal ambition.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday, Obama reflected on Odinga’s lifelong commitment to freedom and reconciliation in Kenya.

“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya,” Obama wrote.

“Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.”

Obama, whose paternal roots trace back to Kenya’s Luo community—the same ethnic group as Odinga—added that the late leader set an example not just for Kenyans but across Africa and the world.

“Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.”

The tribute came amid growing public pressure from Kenyans, who had questioned Obama’s initial silence following Odinga’s death on October 15.

Social media users flooded Obama’s recent posts, highlighting their perceived familial ties—often referring to Odinga as Obama’s “cousin” due to shared Kenyan heritage—and demanding acknowledgment.

Odinga, 80, died of a suspected heart attack while undergoing treatment at a clinic in southern India.

His passing triggered widespread mourning across Kenya, culminating in a state funeral at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on October 17, where chaos ensued as crowds overwhelmed security.

At least four people were killed in stampede and crowd crush incidents during the mourning period, including two at the funeral and others when mourners stormed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive his body.

Kenyan forces fired shots and teargas to disperse the crowds, underscoring the immense public grief for the veteran politician.

Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Amolo Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over five decades.

The son of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he rose to prominence as a fierce advocate for multiparty democracy during the authoritarian rule of President Daniel arap Moi.

Detained multiple times in the 1980s and 1990s, Odinga endured torture and exile but remained unyielding in his push for reforms.

He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in a power-sharing government following the deadly 2007 post-election violence, a role that cemented his reputation as a peacemaker.

Odinga ran for president five times, most recently in 2022, often challenging electoral outcomes and mobilizing mass protests.

His alliances, including the 2018 “handshake” with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and a recent broad-based government deal with current President William Ruto, drew both praise for pragmatism and criticism for perceived opportunism.

President Ruto, in his eulogy, described Odinga as a “veteran statesman” whose contributions to Kenya’s democracy were unparalleled.

International tributes poured in, with leaders across Africa and beyond echoing Obama’s sentiments on Odinga’s global influence.

Obama’s personal connection to Odinga dates back years, including meetings during Obama’s presidency and visits to Kenya.

In 2015, Obama addressed a joint session in Nairobi, praising Kenya’s progress while subtly nodding to figures like Odinga who fought for democratic gains.

The two shared public moments, including appearances with Michelle Obama and Odinga’s sister, Auma Obama.

As Kenya continues to grapple with Odinga’s loss, his legacy as a bridge-builder in a politically divided nation endures.

He is survived by his wife, Ida, and children, though his son Fidel predeceased him in 2015.

Funeral arrangements for a final burial in his home county of Siaya are underway, with the nation observing a period of national mourning.

Reactions on X to Obama’s post were mixed, with some users expressing relief at the acknowledgment while others debated the timing.

One media outlet noted that the tribute followed “mounting criticism,” highlighting the expectations placed on Obama due to his Kenyan ties.

In a continent where democratic struggles often define leaders, Odinga’s story—from detention to diplomacy—remains a testament to resilience.

As Obama aptly put it, his example will resonate far beyond Kenya’s borders.

The African Union and the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have condemned the coup, which came after weeks of “Gen Z” protests initially triggered by severe, chronic power and water shortages.

MILITARY-LED COMMITTEE TO RULE FOR UP TO TWO YEARS

“I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar,” Randrianirina said in a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court, a colonial-era red-brick building of French windows, segmental arches and stone balustrades.

“I swear that I will exercise the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights,” he added, before military officers raised swords and blew trumpets to mark the handover.

Randrianirina has said that a committee led by the military will rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections, although analysts doubt this can be guaranteed.

“Whether the military returns power depends less on words and more on binding safeguards, incentives and oversight,” Ketakandriana Rafitoson, Malagasy researcher and Vice Chair of Transparency International, told Reuters from Washington.

“Commitments such as ‘We will hand over in two years’ are weak if unaccompanied by mechanisms that limit the junta’s capacity to entrench itself”.

While many of the youths cheered the demise of Rajoelina, who came to office in a 2009 coup, some are already expressing misgivings about the swiftness with which the army stepped in.

Even Gen Z protesters who turned up to celebrate the new military leader’s inauguration, some wearing the trademark T-shirt depicting a skull with a straw hat from the Japanese manga series “One Piece”, did not consider their work done.

“Not yet,” 18-year-old student Mioty Andrianambinintsoa said outside the court, as dignitaries draped in the red, green and white of the Malagasy flag walked past her to waiting jeeps. “This is a stage. Our aims haven’t been achieved.”

Asked what those aims were, fellow protester Francko Ramananvarivo, 23, said: “Our objective is to be led by a government that is close to the people. We are not there yet.”

ELITE ARMY UNIT

Randrianirina is a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit that played a role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power, although he was not involved in that putsch himself. He broke ranks with the president during the protests, urging soldiers not to fire on protesters and offering to protect them.

Underlying Madagascar’s periodic upheavals is a young population – the average age is under 20 – and some of the world’s worst poverty, which blights the lives of three-quarters of its roughly 30 million people.

Despite exports of prized commodities such as vanilla, nickel, sapphires and the white pigment ilmenite, the Indian Ocean island’s average income is barely $600 a year, while prices of basic goods such as the staple rice have spiralled.

Between its independence in 1960 and 2020, GDP per capita plunged by nearly half, according to the World Bank, making it one of the few nations to have become worse off over that period.

Motorists plying the Bomas–Kiserian (B19) Road are set to face traffic disruptions after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced the temporary closure of a key section of the busy route for six months.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, KeNHA said the section between Brookhouse and Galleria Mall up to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) junction will be closed from Monday, October 20, 2025, until April 20, 2026, to allow for the construction of two box culverts.

The Authority said the project is part of a broader initiative to improve drainage systems and enhance road safety along the rapidly developing Lang’ata–Kiserian corridor, which has experienced persistent flooding and traffic bottlenecks during the rainy seasons.

“This closure has been necessitated by the scheduled construction of two box culverts along the affected section,” said Luka Kimeli, KeNHA’s Acting Director-General. “The works are designed to improve water flow and reduce flooding incidents that have been experienced during the rainy seasons.”

KeNHA urged motorists to exercise patience and caution throughout the construction period, assuring that measures have been put in place to manage traffic and minimize inconvenience.

To ease congestion, the Authority has provided alternative routes for motorists:

•Those using Lang’ata Road can divert through Lang’ata South Road–Kiboko Road–Banda Lane–Magadi Road.

•Another option is Lang’ata South Road–Kiboko Road–Mukoma Road–Magadi Road near the Shell Petrol Station.

Traffic police officers and marshals will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure smooth traffic flow along the diversions.

Kimeli emphasized that the temporary disruption is necessary for long-term safety and efficiency.

“We advise all road users to follow the traffic diversion plan, observe road signage, and cooperate with traffic police and marshals deployed on-site to ensure safety and order,” he added.

The Bomas–Kiserian stretch serves as a vital link connecting Nairobi’s southern suburbs to Kajiado County, and the closure is expected to affect daily commuters and businesses operating along the route.

KeNHA has appealed for understanding, noting that the upgrade will contribute to improved mobility, drainage, and overall road infrastructure in the area once completed.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced significant adjustments to the funeral program of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, just a day before his scheduled airlift to Kisumu.

In a statement released on Friday, October 17, 2025, ODM’s Director of Communications Philip Etale said the late opposition leader’s body will no longer be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight stay as earlier planned.

The decision, according to the National Funeral Committee, was reached due to what it termed as “unavoidable circumstances” that disrupted the initial schedule.

“The national funeral committee wishes to announce to the public that due to unavoidable circumstances, the body of the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for overnight stay as earlier planned,” the statement read in part.

Following the new directive, the body will, after the ongoing public viewing at Nyayo National Stadium, be returned to the Lee Funeral Home for preservation.

It will remain there overnight before being airlifted to Kisumu on the morning of Saturday, October 18.

ODM expressed regret over the sudden change and extended an apology to the public for any inconvenience caused.

Thousands of mourners have continued to flock to the Nyayo National Stadium since early Friday morning to view the body of the late statesman. The atmosphere at the venue has been somber yet charged with emotion, as Kenyans from all walks of life gather to pay their final respects to a man whose political career shaped decades of Kenya’s democratic struggle.

Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India, will be flown to Kisumu ahead of his burial on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.

His funeral is expected to draw thousands of mourners, including dignitaries from across Africa and beyond, marking the final farewell to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 17 — President William Ruto on Thursday delivered a moving tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a solemn State Funeral ceremony at Nyayo National Stadium, describing the veteran leader as a statesman whose life and legacy transcended politics.

Addressing thousands of mourners — among them African heads of state, dignitaries, and Kenyans from across the country — President Ruto reflected on his long and eventful political journey with Odinga, describing him as both a mentor and a formidable rival whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy would be remembered for generations.

“To you, Baba, I owe you. And I am truly and eternally grateful that our path crossed and that we shared this journey together,” Ruto said.

The President recalled the early days of their political partnership, particularly during the reform years that shaped Kenya’s transition to multi-party democracy. He reminisced about their time together as part of the Pentagon, a team of political allies who championed democratic change and national inclusivity.

“When I stood by him with the other Pentagon members at a defining moment in our nation’s history, I never imagined that one day we would find ourselves on opposite sides. Nor would I have thought that years later, he would stand by me — this time to steady the nation and help anchor my leadership, culminating in the birth of a broad-based government,” Ruto recalled.

‘Turned pain into purpose’

President Ruto described Odinga as “a man who walked among us, but charged among us as a movement — a movement for justice, inclusivity, and a greater Kenya.”

The President hailed the late opposition leader as a patriot whose struggles were not driven by the privilege of power but by the principle of service.

“He endured years of imprisonment, exile, and political struggle not for personal gain, but for the belief that Kenya could be fairer, freer, and more prosperous. He bore the scars of his struggles with dignity and turned pain into purpose,” Ruto remarked.

Reflecting on Odinga’s unyielding commitment to justice and equality, Ruto noted that those who worked closely with him knew he was “irrevocably stubborn” in his vision for a just and united Kenya.

“In Tinga, Kenya found a reformer, a moral compass, a reconciler. He proved that progress demands both courage and patience — that we must be stubborn on the vision but agile on the details, adjusting our means but never compromising our mission,” he said.

Man of conviction

Ruto described Odinga as a man of deep empathy and conviction — “at home in the humblest of homes and at ease on the grandest global stages.”

“His heart belonged to the people. He shared in their pain, rejoiced in their victories, and never lost faith in their goodness,” the President said.

He extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and the entire Luo community, thanking them for sharing Raila with the rest of Kenya and the world.

“Kenya stands with you in this moment of grief. We share in your sorrow, but we also share in your pride — for your husband, your father, your brother, and your son belonged not only to you but to all of us,” he said.

President Ruto concluded his tribute by noting that history would remember Raila Odinga not only as a political icon but also as a moral pillar whose leadership inspired unity, courage, and belief in a better Kenya.

“Whenever Kenya needed reason, he became the voice of reason. Whenever the nation needed reconciliation, he offered his hand without hesitation. That is the spirit of Baba — and that spirit will live on in all of us,” Ruto said.

Raila Odinga — fondly known as Baba, Tinga, Agwambo, and Jakom — leaves behind a towering legacy as one of Kenya’s most influential figures in the fight for democracy, good governance, and national unity.

Rosemary Odinga, daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has shared a personal account of the moment she learnt about her father’s passing.

Speaking on Friday, October 17, Rosemary recounted the confusion and disbelief that followed the devastating call from her brother, Raila Odinga Jr.

“I remember the day I received the message. I was seated on the table, just finished my breakfast, and then my brother Raila Odinga Jr. called me, and he asked me where I was. And I told him, I’m seated at the table. And then he asked me to sit down.

“And I asked myself, do I sit on the floor, or on the table, or the seat at the table is good enough? I was so confused. But then Junior then told me that our father was no longer with us,” she said.

Rosemary went on to express the enduring pain her family continues to experience since the passing of their father, describing how his absence has left a profound void in their lives.

“Until today, it is still very difficult. It is very difficult for us to feel like a family. And today, we are here to pray for Kenya and the rest of the world. I want to say thank you very much,” she added.

The moment, she said, was shattering — one that left her struggling to comprehend life without the man who had been her guide, mentor, and confidant.

“Today is a very painful day for me,” she said.

“And I know it is painful for all of you as well. But we as a family have come to mourn together, and we will continue to stand together.”

Rosemary went on to describe her father as a man of deep integrity, compassion, and wisdom.

While millions across the country called him “Baba,” to her and her siblings, he was a loving father, husband, and grandfather who found time for family despite his heavy public duties.

“You were my confidant, my adviser, and my dear friend,” she said, calling Raila her greatest teacher and compass in life.

She remembered how her father offered guidance without dictating, often teaching by example.

“You had a way of sharing advice and lessons without making them sound like lectures,” she said.

“You taught me to sharpen my ideas, to think deeply, to question, and to stand firm for what I believe in.”

Rosemary also praised Raila’s compassion and open-mindedness, saying he inspired not only their family but an entire generation.

“Through your example, I learned forgiveness — that healing comes not from holding on, but from letting go and choosing peace. You lived your truth with openness and tolerance, reminding us that Kenya’s strength is in her many voices.”

Concluding her tribute, Rosemary promised to uphold her father’s legacy and live by the values he instilled in her.

“I will forever honour your legacy. I will carry your memories and values with me and promise to live a life that will make you proud. Everything I do, I will do it for you. Your memory will forever be my treasure. Until we meet again.”

Her moving eulogy drew chants from many in the audience, capturing the personal grief of a daughter and the collective mourning of a nation bidding farewell to one of its greatest sons.

By William Ruto

It has been an immense privilege, in the course of my journey in leadership and politics, to work and engage with my dear late brother, the Rt. Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, in different seasons, while playing diverse roles and under various colours.

In that time, I can say that we came to know each other very well and forged a relationship that transcended mutual understanding and became a perennial bond, which withstood the furious tempests of our dynamic politics.

In 1996, Raila had done the unthinkable by resigning in his first term as Member of Parliament for Langata due to irreconcilable differences with the leadership of Ford Kenya.

Consequently, he contested the subsequent by-election under the then unknown National Development Party, whose symbol, a tractor, would earn him the nickname Tinga Tinga or Tinga in short.

It helped that Tinga happened to rhyme with Odinga, and that is what I, with countless others, called him for a long time. Hon Raila mobilised non-stop and built the new party from scratch.

By 1997, NDP had eclipsed Ford Kenya with 21 members. Following the election, Raila executed a political strategy that confounded friend and foe, which involved finding common ground with KANU and President Daniel Arap Moi, then anathema and implacable foe respectively.

In Moi’s succession, Raila had spotted a golden political opportunity he could not turn away from, and, in NDP and Hon Raila, Moi saw not only safety in parliamentary numbers, but also a chance to build a broad national support base for his succession plan.

It was during this time that I found myself working more closely with Raila as we tightened the nuts and bolts of the KANU-NDP ‘cooperation’ before transitioning it into the full-blown merger that shook Kenya’s political landscape with reverberations that gave rise to NARC and swept KANU out of power to date.

It was immediately clear that, politically speaking, Raila and I had a number of fundamental characteristics in common. Firstly, there is his energy and zeal, especially when it came to networking, mobilising and overseeing operations and the implementation of competitive political strategies.

Secondly, his sharp focus, total commitment and unstoppable motivation in the pursuit of what he believed in. Thirdly, his pragmatism and impressive, yet thoroughly principled flexibility when it came to building alliances, negotiation, reviewing and even changing course.

Fourthly, Raila believed in the people as the foremost, if not the sole, reason for political leadership. Finally, he and I believed in the importance of strong, national parties for strengthening democracy and anchoring good governance.

Together with other colleagues, we built a strong party that endures as a powerful institution of our democracy. Afterwards, I have taken part in building equally formidable parties and coalitions from the bottom up.

This similarity had two fundamental implications: When Hon Raila and I were on the same page, we were utterly unstoppable. However, whenever we found ourselves at odds, the going got really tough. It will be an understatement for me to state that, in 2002, things got a little difficult after he left KANU and launched a turbocharged NARC. Between 2005 and 2010, we were a formidable team.

For me, working with Raila affirmed certain important truths that, I believe, no leader should ever neglect: Respect for opponents, acknowledging our diversity and different opinions, never underestimating competitors, and never losing sight of the humanity of all persons, including our adversaries.

In all the years I knew Raila, I was privileged to witness his devotion to his family, his loyalty to his friends and comrades, his pursuit of the abundant life made up of diverse engagements, all energetically pursued: From sport, business and engineering to innovation, devolution, pan-Africanism and farming; from dancing, statecraft and African culture to social democracy.

He impressed me most with the clarity of his conviction that the Kenya we want is within reach if we are committed to do the hard work and make bold decisions; that our democratic experiment must be nurtured vigilantly and matured ambitiously; that leadership always creates space for the youth now, and that Kenya always comes first, and our ambitions are always subordinate to the greater good.

To his last day, Raila was steadfast in the struggle to deliver the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Kenya Vision 2030, beginning at the devolved units. I am a witness to Raila’s fiery patriotism, which never dimmed.

I know because we had many deep conversations, and we shared the perspective that economic development was the crowning glory of the struggle for freedom, democracy and justice. Hon Raila never lost an opportunity to reiterate the words of the National Anthem, especially the lines: “Justice be our shield and defender” and “Plenty be found within our borders”. I honour my dear departed brother not only because he believed in the best of the right things for our country, but also because he never hesitated to stand up for his convictions, and many a time, pay a painful price for them.

I celebrate his courage and respect his compassion. I remember his sense of humility, humanity, honour and humour. In a time when politics often beat, broke and reduced the best and brightest into indifference, ambiguity or cowardice, Raila stood tall, walked proudly and fought the good fight with a smile and a kitendawili. His legacy calls on us to contemplate the real possibility of a gracious, selfless, principled and patriotic politics.

It also demonstrates, beyond any doubt, that it is impossible to attempt a modern history of Kenya without devoting a number of rich chapters to the life and work of Raila Odinga. As we bid farewell to a much-loved and towering patriot, I want to persuade all Kenyans that the best way of honouring him is by standing together in one accord, working with determination to deliver prosperity for all Kenyans within a generation.

I join the nation in mourning the passing of Raila, a towering Statesman; a father of democracy, and a patriot whose life’s work shaped the soul of our Republic. For decades, Raila stood at the forefront of Kenya’s struggle for freedom, justice and unity. His courage in the face of adversity, his resilience through moments of trial and his unwavering belief in Kenya’s promise left a lasting imprint on our national story.

His voice carried the weight of a generation’s hopes. His actions challenged us to become better as a people, to speak truth, to stand for what is right, and to believe in the power of dialogue and reconciliation. His passing is a profound loss, not only to his family and those who knew him personally, but also to the entire nation and continent. Yet, even in this moment of sorrow, we find comfort in the words of John 16:22 — “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you.”

His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us that from loss can rise lasting hope. Hon Raila Odinga was more than a leader; he was a symbol of courage, sacrifice and unity, a patriot who gave his all for justice, equity, and freedom. His ideals transcended politics, and his legacy will continue to inspire Kenyans. I extend my deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, their children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie, the grandchildren and the entire Odinga family. May God grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace!

Nairobi, Kenya – October 17, 2025 – In a poignant tribute that captured the complex tapestry of Kenyan politics, former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the loss of Raila Odinga, calling him a “friend and a brother” whose passing has left an indelible void in the nation’s heart.

Odinga, the veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister, died on October 15 at the age of 80 in a hospital in Kerala, India, from a heart attack.

His state funeral today at Nyayo National Stadium drew thousands of mourners, regional leaders, and dignitaries, underscoring his enduring legacy as a champion of democracy and justice.

Kenyatta’s eulogy reflected on their journey from fierce rivals to allies in national reconciliation.

“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal,” Kenyatta stated.

“The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.”

He highlighted their shared history, noting how Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” challenged him to refine his ideas during their political battles.

“Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved,” Kenyatta said.

Yet, in recent years, their relationship evolved through the famous 2018 “Handshake,” a symbol of unity that bridged ethnic and political divides.

“That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of unity taught me the true measure of the man,” he added, praising Odinga’s “unwavering passion for this country” and his role in fostering peace.

Odinga’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum.

President William Ruto, Odinga’s longtime rival, described him as a “towering figure” in Kenyan politics.

At the funeral, attended by heads of state including Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, mourners waved Kenyan flags and held portraits of Odinga, chanting slogans in his honor.

However, the event was marred by clashes, with police firing tear gas and live rounds at crowds, resulting in at least three deaths.

Family members shared intimate details of Odinga’s final moments.

His daughter, Winnie Odinga, revealed that he passed away in her arms during a morning walk in India, after gradually regaining strength post-treatment.

“He died strong, with dignity and pride,” she said, dismissing social media speculation about his cause of death.

Odinga’s brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, spoke of their close bond, likening them to twins and noting the tragic coincidence that Raila died on Oburu’s birthday.

Odinga’s political career spanned decades, from his early days as a detainee under authoritarian rule to his five unsuccessful presidential bids.

He played a pivotal role in Kenya’s transition to multi-party democracy and served as Prime Minister in a power-sharing government from 2008 to 2013. His body arrived in Nairobi yesterday and lay in state at Parliament before today’s ceremonies.

In his eulogy, Kenyatta extended condolences to Odinga’s wife, Ida, and their family, acknowledging their sacrifice in sharing “Baba” with the nation.

“His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build,” he concluded. “Rest in peace, my friend. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade.”

As Kenya reflects on Odinga’s contributions, his death marks the end of an era, but his influence on the fight for equity and unity endures.

Nairobi, Kenya – Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of Kenya’s iconic opposition leader Raila Odinga, has shared a deeply emotional tribute to her father, recounting his final moments and countering misinformation circulating on social media about his death.

Raila, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a former prime minister, died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in India. His passing has plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from leaders and citizens alike, and chaotic scenes unfolding as thousands gathered to honor him.

In her heartfelt message posted on social media, Winnie described the intimate and profound experience of being by her father’s side as he took his last breath.

“Today, my world stands still. A giant has rested. I held his hand in his final moments, and in his silence, I felt the weight of his legacy and love. A father, a mentor, a compass. My heart is broken, but his light will forever guide me,” she wrote.

Speaking further at a memorial event, Winnie emphasized Raila’s resilience, noting that he remained active until the end.

“He died in my arms. Every day he was waking up and walking. Every day he would do one round, the next day he pushed to two rounds. That morning he pushed to five rounds. He died strong and with dignity and with pride. We must be proud of that,” she said, directly addressing and debunking rumors that suggested otherwise.

Winnie’s words have resonated widely, painting a picture of a man who faced his end with the same unyielding spirit that defined his decades-long fight for democracy and justice in Kenya.

She added, “I don’t know who I’ll miss more; my dad or my superhero. I’m the luckiest girl in the world,” highlighting the personal loss amid the national grief.

The family’s sorrow was palpable during the repatriation of Raila’s body. On October 16, Winnie was seen in a tearful exchange with her mother, Ida Odinga, gently handing over Raila’s favorite white fedora hat—the same one he wore on his final journey to India.

This quiet moment, captured amid the somber procession from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Lee Funeral Home, spoke volumes about love, loss, and continuity. Winnie, often described as her father’s shadow and fiercest ally, has been a visible pillar of strength for the family, accompanying Raila on political campaigns and trips.

Raila’s body arrived in Kenya early on October 16, escorted by a Kenyan delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

The arrival turned chaotic as thousands of mourners stormed the airport to pay their respects, leading to clashes with security forces.

Police fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse the crowds, resulting in at least four deaths and several injuries. Despite the violence, the procession proceeded under full military honors, reflecting Raila’s status as a national hero.

President William Ruto, a longtime political rival turned ally, led the nation’s response, declaring seven days of national mourning and announcing a state funeral.

In a televised address, Ruto praised Raila as “one of Kenya’s most influential leaders whose contribution to the country’s democracy will be remembered for generations.”

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki outlined the funeral program, noting the family’s request for a swift burial within 72 hours, in line with Raila’s wishes. The schedule includes public viewings at Parliament Buildings, a prayer service at Nyayo Stadium on October 17, and the final rites in Bondo on October 19.

Raila Odinga’s legacy spans over five decades of Kenyan politics.

The son of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he was imprisoned multiple times for his pro-democracy activism under authoritarian regimes.

He served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 in a power-sharing deal following disputed elections and ran for president five times, most recently in 2022.

Often called “Baba” by supporters, Raila was a champion of the marginalized and a key figure in Africa’s pan-Africanist movement.

As Kenya prepares to bid farewell, Winnie’s tribute serves as a reminder of the personal toll behind the public figure.

“The king is dead, but long live the crown,” she poignantly stated, signaling that Raila’s fight for justice endures through his family and followers.

The nation watches as a chapter closes on one of its most enduring political dynasties.