….Kenya’s veteran opposition leader will lie in state in Kisumu before a final burial at his ancestral home following a State funeral
NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-Kenya’s veteran political leader Raila Odinga is set to be buried on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at his Bondo home, in accordance with his personal wishes.
The decision for the burial location underscores Odinga’s deep connection to his ancestral roots and his lifelong bond with the Bondo community.
Prior to the burial, his body will depart for Kisumu on Saturday, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects.
A viewing in Kisumu will allow citizens from across the region and beyond to honor the legacy of a leader whose influence spanned over four decades.
The arrangements follow a State funeral service scheduled for Friday, during which top government officials, dignitaries, and international guests will attend.
The burial committee confirmed that the funeral program has been meticulously planned to balance both official protocol and the personal wishes of Odinga and his family.
This sequence of events provides Kenyans and well-wishers the chance to mourn collectively, while also respecting the veteran leader’s desire for a private final resting place at Bondo.
Raila Odinga’s burial marks the culmination of a national period of mourning and reflection on his monumental contributions to Kenya’s democratic journey.
The funeral committee, overseeing all arrangements, is co-chaired by DP Moses Kindiki and Oburu Odinga, ensuring coordination between government officials and the family.
Officials emphasized that all necessary security and logistical measures will be in place to facilitate smooth attendance and public participation during both the State funeral and the burial ceremonies.
The passing of Raila Odinga has left a profound impact on Kenya’s political landscape, and these final rites serve as a moment for the nation to honor his lifelong dedication to public service, social justice, and democracy.
As Kenya prepares for the final farewell, emotions run high among citizens who regard Odinga not only as a political figure but also as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring struggle for fairness and inclusion in governance.
Background:
Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most prominent and enduring political figures, with a career spanning over four decades.
He first emerged on the national stage in the 1980s, advocating for democratic reforms during Kenya’s single-party era, often at great personal risk.
Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, following the post-election violence of 2007–2008, playing a crucial role in national reconciliation and governance reforms.
He was also a multiple-time presidential candidate, contesting elections in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, consistently championing electoral transparency, accountability, and social justice.
Throughout his career, he was a vocal advocate for constitutional reform, devolution of power, and the promotion of human rights and civil liberties.
Raila inspired generations of Kenyans to actively engage in democratic processes, and his leadership earned him respect across party lines, even among his fiercest rivals.
His passing marks the loss of a national icon whose vision and ideals shaped Kenya’s journey toward democracy, equity, and social cohesion.
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