Former Kenyan prime minister and revered opposition leader Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday in his hometown of Bondo, bringing closure to a week of national mourning that was marred by tragic incidents at memorial events. The burial ceremony, attended by thousands, marked the final chapter in the life of a political icon who shaped Kenya’s democracy for decades.
The funeral mass was held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, where dignitaries including President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta paid their respects. Military personnel carried Odinga’s flag-draped coffin to the front, and a choir sang as speakers remembered his legacy. His son, Raila Odinga junior, emotionally declared, “Now finally Baba is home,” using the Swahili term for father that reflected Odinga’s affectionate nickname among supporters.
This burial concluded several days of memorial events that had seen chaotic scenes and casualties. Prior to the interment, public viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu attracted tens of thousands of mourners, leading to stampedes where at least five people died and hundreds were injured. In one incident, police opened fire to disperse crowds, exacerbating the turmoil and highlighting the intense public emotion surrounding Odinga’s passing.
Raila Odinga, who died at age 80 in a hospital in India from a suspected heart attack, was a central figure in Kenyan politics. He served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 following a power-sharing agreement after the disputed 2007 election, and he ran for president five times, most recently in 2022. Despite never winning the top office, he was instrumental in pushing for multi-party democracy in the 1990s and was a key architect of Kenya’s 2010 constitution, which is praised for strengthening governance.
Odinga’s political career was marked by shifting alliances and a relentless pursuit of democratic ideals. He formed pacts with both Kenyatta and Ruto at different times, often aiming to stabilize the nation. President Ruto, in his tribute, described Odinga as a “unifier” whose courage and vision would continue to inspire Kenya. Former US President Barack Obama, whose family hails from the same region, called him a “true champion of democracy,” underscoring his international stature.
The outpouring of grief reflected Odinga’s deep connection with many Kenyans, particularly in western regions where he was seen as a hero. Mourners waved Kenyan flags and held his picture aloft, with one attendee telling reporters, “Even in the grave, he still remains our hero.” His influence extended beyond Kenya, with African leaders like Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo attending the funeral, highlighting his role as a pan-Africanist.
With Odinga’s death, Kenya faces a leadership vacuum in the opposition as the country prepares for the 2027 elections. There is no obvious successor to his mantle, raising concerns about political stability. His legacy of advocacy for justice and unity will likely influence future debates, but his absence leaves uncertainties in a nation still grappling with democratic challenges.