Bondo turned into a sea of humanity on Sunday morning as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. The emotional farewell service, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), drew Kenyans from every corner of the country, reflecting the immense impact the veteran leader had on Kenya’s political and democratic journey.
Raila, who passed away on Wednesday in India while receiving treatment for cardiac complications, will be laid to rest later today at his Opoda Farm home in Bondo. He was 80 years old.
From as far as Nyeri, Eldoret, and Kasipul, mourners arrived in Bondo many dressed in orange, the colour symbolizing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party that Raila founded and passionately led for decades. The crowd’s sheer size overwhelmed the lakeside town, with some attendees revealing they had travelled overnight to witness this historic moment.
“Some of us have not eaten since yesterday,” one mourner shared, “The pain of losing Baba is too much.”
Security agencies mounted tight surveillance across Bondo, particularly at the university and Kang’o Kajaramogi, where a private burial ceremony will take place.
Among the dignitaries attending the service is President William Ruto, who described Raila as “more of a brother than a political rival.” Several foreign heads of state and regional leaders are also expected to attend, underlining Raila’s continental influence.
On Saturday, thousands gathered at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu for a final public viewing before the body was airlifted to Bondo for an overnight vigil.
Raila Odinga, the son of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was a towering figure in Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy. Over four decades, he endured detention, exile, and political persecution, yet remained steadfast in his fight for justice and reform leaving behind an indelible legacy that will shape Kenya for generations.