Thousands of Kenyans have gathered at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s political history. The Raila Odinga funeral marks the culmination of a week of national mourning declared in honour of the late leader, who died in India on Wednesday at the age of 80.
Raila Odinga funeral draws massive crowds
Mourners carrying Kenyan flags, portraits, and palm fronds filled the stadium, singing liberation songs and chanting “Raila usilale, bado mapambano” — Swahili for “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over.” His casket, draped in the national flag, was escorted by a military guard of honour as dignitaries and citizens alike stood in solemn tribute.
Among those attending were the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, as well as top Kenyan officials and foreign diplomats. Security was tight after Thursday’s chaotic scenes, where police fired live rounds and tear gas to control surging crowds, leaving at least three people dead.
Tributes to a political icon
During the ceremony, Ida Odinga, his widow, praised her husband’s lifelong commitment to integrity and justice, saying, “Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed — the greed that has affected the fabric of our society.” Bishop David Kodia, who led the service, described Odinga as a leader who never used wealth or power to intimidate others.
Earlier in the day, Odinga’s body was taken to Parliament for public viewing before being moved to the stadium for the official state funeral.
Final journey to his homeland
The former prime minister’s body will travel on Saturday to Kisumu, his political stronghold in western Kenya, before his burial on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County — in keeping with his wish to be buried within 72 hours.
A seven-day period of mourning remains in effect as Kenya bids farewell to a man widely regarded as the father of modern democracy. Having led the struggle for multi-party politics and contested five presidential elections, Raila Odinga leaves behind a powerful legacy of resilience, reform, and relentless pursuit of justice.
