In a solemn ceremony that captured the nation’s respect, the Kenyan military handed over the national flag to Mama Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as he was laid to rest at his Opoda Farm home in Siaya County.
The gesture was a symbol of the country’s gratitude for Raila’s decades of public service and his unwavering dedication to Kenya’s democratic journey.
Raila passed away on October 15 in Kochi, India, at the age of 80 and was honored with full military protocol during the state funeral at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
The Kenya Defence Forces performed a 17-gun salute, a mark of distinction in Kenya’s military tradition. While a 21-gun salute is reserved for a sitting president and 19 rounds for former presidents, the 17 rounds given to Raila reflected his extraordinary influence as a national leader—a figure who, though not president, shaped the country’s path in profound ways.
Raila’s life was a testament to resilience and dedication to justice. From his imprisonment under the single-party regime to championing constitutional reforms, he became a symbol of resistance and transformation.
He played a key role in repealing Section 2A of the Constitution in the early 1990s, paving the way for multiparty democracy, and contributed significantly to the 2010 Constitution, cementing his place in Kenya’s democratic history.
Despite facing political setbacks and repeated electoral defeats, Raila remained a unifying figure committed to social justice, fairness, and inclusive governance. His journey from opposition leader to respected statesman earned him recognition both within Kenya and across Africa.
The burial marked the conclusion of a week-long national mourning period during which the Kenyan flag was flown at half-mast across the country and at Kenyan missions abroad.
In a national address on October 15, President William Ruto described Raila as “a foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons.”
“Kenya, Africa, and the world mourn the passing of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior for good governance,” Ruto said. “Raila Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our Republic — a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, and hope.”
The state funeral was attended by President Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
