Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has made a deeply emotional visit to the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, just a day after the ODM leader’s burial.
Uhuru arrived quietly at the Odinga family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where he joined family members in what became a moment of solemn reflection. In a video seen by The Star, the former Head of State was seen walking slowly to the freshly covered grave, where he stood in silence, head bowed, paying his respects to the man who was both a political ally and a lifelong friend.
At one point, Uhuru extended his hand toward the grave before clasping his hands in prayer. The emotional moment unfolded in the presence of several family members and close associates, who stood by silently as Uhuru prayed.
The visit carried profound symbolic meaning. Though their political paths had once diverged sharply, their 2018 “handshake” marked a turning point in Kenya’s political history — bringing an end to months of post-election unrest and ushering in a period of national reconciliation.
On Sunday, hundreds of mourners overwhelmed security at the Odinga homestead, breaching police and military cordons in an emotional rush to pay their last respects. The mourners sang Luo dirges and liberation songs in honour of Raila’s long and storied political struggle, moments after the casket was lowered into the grave.
Despite the presence of heavy security drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, and county enforcement units, the sheer number of mourners made it impossible to maintain strict control.
Uhuru’s quiet gesture the following day stood in stark contrast to the chaos that marked Raila’s burial. His visit served as a personal and political tribute a reminder of the deep respect and shared history between two of Kenya’s most influential leaders, whose partnership once reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
