President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta led thousands of mourners in paying their final respects to Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, during his funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County.
The two leaders arrived together, accompanied by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and other African dignitaries, marking a moment of unity and respect for one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. President Ruto was received by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, and other senior military officers before proceeding to view the body.
Mama Ida Odinga, along with the Odinga family members Oburu, Ruth, Rosemary, Winnie, and Raila Junior had arrived earlier for the service.
The event drew a host of political leaders from both government and opposition, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i. Also in attendance were several Cabinet Secretaries such as Aden Duale (Health), Hassan Joho (Mining), Davis Chirchir (Infrastructure), Soipan Tuya (Defence), and Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior).
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and Senators Edwin Sifuna and Tom Ojienda also paid their respects.
Former Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda joined the mourners, underscoring Odinga’s regional influence.
Kenyans from all walks of life filled the university grounds to honor the late opposition leader, who passed away on Wednesday in India following a cardiac arrest at the age of 80.
After the service, Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, where family, friends, and citizens will bid farewell to a statesman whose political journey shaped Kenya’s democratic landscape.
