A large crowd of mourners in Siaya County overwhelmed security on Sunday as they surged into Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the Odinga family homestead, to witness the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.
The mourners, visibly distraught and waving twigs while calling out Raila’s name, pushed past police and military personnel shortly after the casket was lowered into the grave.
Their cries and wails echoed as they approached the site, where the final burial preparations were underway.
Teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and county security units had set up multiple lines of protection around the homestead to regulate access. Yet, the sheer number of people outside the gates overwhelmed them, resulting in a brief lapse in order.
The movement forward began after the last prayers and committal rituals were completed. President William Ruto had already departed, but former President Uhuru Kenyatta and members of the Odinga family remained present.
Despite repeated warnings from officers to maintain calm, mourners pressed on to get closer to the grave.
At the burial site, many sang Luo dirges and liberation songs that reflected Raila’s decades-long contribution to politics and national service. Some knelt to scoop soil from the grave, while others carried portraits and flags with his image.
The burial at his father’s homestead, also the resting place of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, drew thousands from across the country.
The atmosphere combined sorrow and celebration as Kenyans paid tribute to a leader fondly remembered as Baba.
Earlier, Raila was honored with a 17-gun salute and the ceremonial Last Post by the KDF, signifying the nation’s gratitude for his service. Gun salutes are among the oldest military traditions, with the number of shots reflecting rank or position.
In Kenya and other Commonwealth nations, a 21-gun salute is for sitting Presidents, 19 for former Presidents, and 17 for leaders of national prominence such as former Prime Ministers or distinguished statesmen.
