Kenya Mourns Raila Odinga
Written by John on October 16, 2025
Body of the Father of Democracy returns home for burial as Kenya unites in grief; interment to be conducted within 72 hours in Bondo.
NAIROBI / KISUMU / BONDO — Kenya awoke to a heavy silence yesterday as the body of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, the long-time opposition leader and Father of Democracy, arrived home for burial preparations. The veteran politician’s remains will be interred at his Bondo home in Siaya County within 72 hours, government officials have confirmed.
Thousands of mourners lined the streets from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kibera, waving flags, singing liberation hymns, and chanting his name. Many wept openly, saying goodbye to the man who carried their hopes for decades.
Across the nation, flags are flying at half-mast following President William Ruto’s declaration of seven days of national mourning.
“Kenya has lost a son of struggle, a statesman who embodied courage, unity, and democracy,” the President said in his official statement.
A Life in the Service of Freedom
Raila Odinga’s life reads like the story of modern Kenya itself — a saga of struggle, resilience, and reconciliation.
Born in 1945 in Maseno, Siaya County, to Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila rose from political persecution to become one of Africa’s most recognizable voices for democracy.
He endured multiple detentions in the 1980s, fought for multi-party politics, and became a reform icon through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In 2008, he entered a historic power-sharing deal with President Mwai Kibaki after post-election violence, serving as Prime Minister until 2013.
The Handshakes That Defined an Era
Raila’s career was marked by moments of rivalry — and reconciliation. His “handshakes” with Presidents Mwai Kibaki (2008) and Uhuru Kenyatta (2018) reshaped Kenya’s political landscape, turning fierce competition into cooperation.
Through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Raila championed unity, inclusion, and equity, leaving a political legacy that transcended tribal lines. Even in defeat, he preached peace — a statesman to the very end.
A Nation in Tears
In Nairobi, vigils light up Uhuru Park. In Kisumu, thousands march silently through Oginga Odinga Street. In Bondo, elders prepare the family compound for the arrival of their most famous son.
ODM Party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna described the moment as “the closing of a monumental chapter.”
“Baba gave his life for this country. His struggle made Kenya what it is today.”
Final Journey to Bondo
A National Funeral Committee is overseeing the burial, expected to be attended by global dignitaries, heads of state, and thousands of citizens. His casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, will be airlifted from Nairobi to Kisumu for public viewing before its final journey to Bondo.
Religious leaders have urged Kenyans to mourn peacefully, emphasizing unity — the very principle Raila lived for.
Legacy Beyond the Grave
In his death, as in his life, Raila Odinga has brought Kenya together once again. From prison walls to the corridors of power, he remained steadfast in his call for democracy, justice, and nationhood.
“The dream of a united Kenya did not die with him,” said Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. “It was planted in each of us.”
Farewell, Baba.Your struggle lives on in the hearts of your people.
The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.
