Kalonzo Cuts Short London Trip to Attend Raila Odinga’s State Funeral

Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has cut short his trip to London and is returning to Nairobi to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

He is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport early Friday morning. Raila died on Wednesday in Kerala, India, after suffering a heart attack, prompting a period of national mourning across Kenya. A key figure in the country’s political history, Raila spent decades pushing for democratic reforms, serving in opposition leadership and playing a central role in national politics despite never winning the presidency.

Preparations for the state funeral are underway. A public requiem mass will be held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, followed by his burial at the family home in Bondo. The burial committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila's elder brother Oburu Odinga, is finalising logistics, including the repatriation of the body from India. 

A delegation led by Ida Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi travelled to Kerala to oversee the process alongside senior officials and family members. President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast across the country and at Kenyan embassies abroad. 

He described Raila as “a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior for good governance,” and confirmed that he will receive a state funeral with full honours.

Raila will be laid to rest at Opoda Farm beside his mother, Mary Juma, who died in 1984 while he was imprisoned during the Moi regime. The burial site carries strong personal and historical significance for his family.

In a statement from the SKM Presidential Secretariat, Musyoka said he would honour his “friend and compatriot” during the state ceremony.