Raila Odinga Laid to Rest in Bondo After Historic State Funeral

Kenya on Sunday held a full State funeral for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, marked by a 17-gun salute, a military fly-past and tributes from leaders across the political divide.

The ceremony took place at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and his family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where thousands of mourners gathered to honour the veteran opposition leader. Military pallbearers escorted the flag-draped coffin as the national anthem played, a powerful symbol of a State that once detained him now paying its highest ceremonial respects.

President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo were among the dignitaries in attendance. Local and foreign delegations joined ordinary Kenyans who had camped overnight to witness what many described as a historic farewell. Family members and political allies paid tribute as Jowi chants echoed through the crowd.

A Life Intertwined with Kenya’s Politics

Born in 1945, Raila Odinga inherited a strong political legacy as the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President. Educated in East Germany as an engineer, he turned to politics during Daniel arap Moi’s administration. He was detained without trial for nine years after the 1982 coup attempt, emerging as a key voice for democracy and reform.

From his first parliamentary win in 1992 to his tenure as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, Odinga played a central role in Kenya’s political transition. He was instrumental in the struggle for multiparty democracy in the 1990s and in the passage of the 2010 Constitution.

“He ruled without the instruments of power,” President Ruto said in his tribute. “He set the agenda, pushed for reform, and taught many of us what it means to lead.”

Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum

The funeral brought together allies and former rivals. Former President Kenyatta described Odinga as “a statesman who always placed Kenya above self,” reflecting on their partnership during the 2018 handshake. Mr Obasanjo praised his long-standing friend as “a patriot inseparable from his country’s destiny.”

Odinga’s widow, Ida, reflected on their 52-year marriage, speaking of the personal cost of his political life. His sister, Ruth Odinga, described a man whose sacrifices went far beyond politics. “He suffered for this country,” she said. “Now he rests.”

Odinga contested the presidency five times - in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022 - without success, often in disputed elections. Yet his influence grew with each campaign. His endorsement of Mwai Kibaki in 2002 was widely seen as decisive in ending Kanu’s decades in power.

He became Prime Minister after the 2008 power-sharing agreement that followed post-election violence, overseeing key governance and infrastructure projects. His symbolic swearing-in as “People’s President” in 2018 and subsequent reconciliation with President Kenyatta shifted his image from protest leader to statesman, culminating in the Building Bridges Initiative.

“Raila transformed opposition into a force for accountability,” Siaya Governor James Orengo said. “He made dissent a patriotic duty.”

A Simple Farewell with Deep Symbolism

Odinga was buried beside his parents at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, his grave surrounded by wreaths as the 17-gun salute marked the end of the ceremony. Military aircraft flew overhead as mourners waved flags and sang songs associated with his political rallies.