The late ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga’s final wish was for a quick and simple burial — a reflection of his deeply personal beliefs about life, death, and dignity. It has now been revealed that he instructed his family to ensure he would be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing, a detail that offers a rare glimpse into the private philosophy of one of Kenya’s most influential statesmen.
Raila’s family confirmed that this request was explicitly stated in his Will, guiding all funeral arrangements after his death in Kerala, India. The directive stemmed from his long-held conviction that death should not be prolonged by unnecessary rituals or extended public mourning.
He often voiced discomfort with the tradition of families keeping their loved ones’ remains for long periods, describing it as both emotionally and financially burdensome. His guiding principle was simple:
“Let the departed rest, and let the living heal.”
A Life of Principle, A Death of Simplicity
True to his wish, once the contents of his Will were made known, funeral preparations began immediately. A national prayer service was scheduled for Nyayo Stadium on Friday, followed by the transfer of his remains to Siaya later that evening. His burial is set for Sunday at the family’s ancestral home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, where he will be laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel Odinga.
The timeline — described by family as tight but deliberate — aligns perfectly with Raila’s lifelong belief in practicality, simplicity, and respect for time. His insistence on a short mourning period reflects his broader ethos: humility and an avoidance of spectacle, even in death.
A Private Man with a Public Legacy
Those who knew Raila closely describe a man of quiet generosity and deep compassion. He often extended help to those in need without seeking publicity or recognition. Even at the height of his political power, he resisted efforts to turn his philanthropy into self-promotion, maintaining that good deeds should remain between giver and receiver.
As Kenya observes a seven-day national mourning period, funeral organizers are working under clear instructions to uphold the late leader’s wishes. His final resting place in Bondo will mark not only the end of a political era, but also a poignant reflection of the humility and moral consistency that defined his life.
In death, as in life, Raila Odinga remains true to himself — a man guided by principle, compassion, and profound respect for simplicity.
