Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was given a 17-gun salute and the ceremonial Last Post by the Kenya Defence Forces in a dignified farewell at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
The thunder of the guns echoed across the area, symbolising the nation’s gratitude for his decades of service to democracy, justice, and the people of Kenya. Shortly afterwards, a lone bugler performed the Last Post, the military tradition marking the end of a soldier’s duty.
These honours were carried out under a presidential directive issued by William Ruto following Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025. The proclamation mandated that the veteran opposition leader and statesman receive a state funeral with full national and military honours, reflecting his remarkable contribution to Kenya.
Odinga held office as the country’s second prime minister from 2008 to 2013 under a power-sharing agreement with then-President Mwai Kibaki.
Military honours are steeped in history and ceremony, serving as formal expressions of respect, remembrance, and solemnity. In Kenya and other Commonwealth nations, the gun salute and the Last Post are central to state occasions, funerals, and memorials. These rituals are precise, disciplined, and carry deep meaning, representing honour, mourning, and a final farewell.
The gun salute
A gun salute is the ceremonial firing of artillery or rifles. Its roots trace back to naval traditions, where firing cannons without ammunition demonstrated peaceful intentions. Over the years, it evolved into a formal tribute. In Kenya, gun salutes are reserved for special occasions and distinguished individuals:
-
State Funerals: Typically associated with the funerals of heads of state or senior leaders, the number of rounds fired corresponds to rank or status, with a 21-gun salute being the highest honour.
-
National Celebrations: Gun salutes mark important national events, including Jamhuri Day and presidential inaugurations, symbolising the authority of the state.
-
Visiting Dignitaries: Foreign heads of state or royalty may also receive gun salutes as a gesture of international respect.
Executing a gun salute requires careful timing and precision. Ceremonial guns, often 105mm, are fired at exact intervals by trained KDF personnel, producing a synchronized and impactful display. The sound is a solemn reminder of discipline, service, and the significance of the occasion.
The Last Post
The Last Post is a solemn bugle call, instantly recognised as a signal of remembrance and final farewell. Originating in the British Army to mark the end of the day and ensure posts were manned, it now plays a solemn role in Kenyan military traditions:
-
Military Funerals: Played as the casket is lowered, it signifies that the fallen’s duty is complete and they have entered their final rest.
-
Remembrance Day: Observed on November 11, it honours those who died in wars, often followed by a moment of silence at memorials such as Nairobi’s Kariokor Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery.
-
Parades and Memorials: The call is also used in military parades and commemorations to evoke reflection and respect for sacrifices made.
Typically performed by a single bugler or trumpeter, the Last Post’s melancholy tune heightens the solemnity of the occasion. Together with the gun salute, these traditions form a core part of Kenya’s military heritage, ensuring that the service of soldiers and the solemnity of state ceremonies are honoured with dignity and respect.
