KENYA MOURNS BABA : RAILA ODINGA’S FINAL JOURNEY AND LASTING LEGACY

Odinga’s passing marks a profound moment in Kenyan politics, ending a career spanning decades of struggle for democracy and multi-party governance.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu County, Raila was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a leading figure in Kenya’s independence movement and the country’s first Vice President.

 From his early years, Raila was influenced by his father’s activism, which shaped his own lifelong commitment to political reform and opposition to autocratic rule.

He was imprisoned during the 1980s under President Daniel arap Moi’s regime for his activism. Raila first entered parliament in the early 1990s and quickly rose as a key figure in Kenya’s push towards multi-party democracy.

Throughout his political career, Odinga ran for president five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 though never winning the highest office.

He was Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, leading a coalition government formed after the contested 2007 elections, which helped steer Kenya through a critical period of national reconciliation.

Raila Odinga was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Langata Constituency from 1992 to 2013.

He is known as the founder and leader of the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party, commonly known as Azimio, which is a political alliance formed in 2022.

 Azimio was founded as a coalition including several major Kenyan parties, led by Raila Odinga, with former president Uhuru Kenyatta as its patron.

The coalition aimed at uniting various political groups under one banner, and Raila Odinga was its presidential candidate in the 2022 election.

Known for his fierce advocacy for electoral integrity and governance reforms, Raila’s role as an opposition giant shaped much of Kenya’s recent political history.

In the wake of his death, Kenyan leaders from across the political spectrum converged at his residence in Karen, Nairobi, to offer condolences to his wife, Ida Odinga, and the family.

President William Ruto led the government delegation, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and several Cabinet Secretaries. Top Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, including Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, as well as MPs and close allies, were present, creating a heavy atmosphere of grief and solidarity around the compound.

The President declared a seven-day national mourning period, describing Odinga as a “once-in-a-generation leader” and a “beacon of courage” whose legacy will influence Kenya for generations. Flags across the country have been lowered to half-mast.

“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection,” he said.

“Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic: a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit for excellence.”

Mourners filled the home, chanting Luo dirges and waving palm branches in tribute to the leader affectionately called “Baba.” Security was heightened to manage the vast crowd and maintain order as thousands streamed to pay respects to the iconic political figure.

 Sifuna appealed to supporters and the public to stop visiting the Karen residence due to overwhelming numbers and to allow the family space for mourning while ODM planned designated mourning points for organized grief across the country.

“I want to make a very special request, both as a leader in Nairobi and as SG of ODM, our people must now stop going to Mama Ida’s house because she is there alone and she is overwhelmed,” Sifuna said.

After the leaders visited the Odinga family in Karen, a delegation was sent to Kerala, India, where Raila had passed away.

Odinga’s body was flown back to Kenya, where thousands gathered to pay their respects on October 16, 2025, then taken to Lee Funeral Home for preparations and was then laid in state at Parliament Buildings to allow the public to pay their respects.  

As the body was repatriated back to Kenya, significant changes occurred in Kenyatta’s Kenya Airways (KQ) flight arrangements to accommodate the transport of Raila’s body but KAA has already announced that JKIA has resumed with its normal operations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in Kenya to honor the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo.

The declaration was made under the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110) and published in a special gazette notice for public information.

This national holiday is set aside for Kenyans to mourn, reflect, and pay their respects to Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics known for his extensive struggle for democracy, constitutional reform, and social justice. Government offices, schools, and most businesses will be closed as the country observes this solemn day.

Raila Odinga’s state funeral is scheduled for the same day, Friday, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, followed by an overnight vigil at his Karen home.

This public holiday comes as a significant moment for Kenyans to unite in mourning and celebrate the life and legacy of Raila Odinga, whose contributions shaped the nation’s democratic landscape over decades

During the mourning period, Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, emotionally presented her mother, Ida, with Raila’s iconic hat a powerful symbol of his political identity and presence. This symbolic act underscored the deep personal and public loss felt by the family and the nation.

On October 16, 2025, the body of the late Odinga relocated from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani,for public viewing due to an overwhelming turnout of mourners.

 The change in venue was necessitated by large crowds that surged during the procession to the original venue, causing injuries and safety concerns.

The Kenya Red Cross was actively involved in providing emergency medical coverage, first aid, and psychosocial support to the mourners at Kasarani and along the route.

The event was marked by significant public mourning and a high emotional response from the attendees. The viewing at Kasarani became a central point for Kenyans to pay their respects, reflecting Raila Odinga’s significant influence and following.

Former Prime Minister Odinga is scheduled to be buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.

Upon his death Raila had expressed to his family his wish to be buried within 72 hours after passing. However, due to his passing occurring outside the country and logistical formalities, the burial will take place a few days later.The burial timeline began with the arrival of his body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

 On Saturday, October 18, a public viewing will be held at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, with a procession to Bondo thereafter.

Finally, the burial and funeral service will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Opoda Farm, Bondo, fulfilling Raila Odinga’s final wish for a burial within 72 hours after his death.

This timeline was publicly communicated and overseen by the National Funeral Committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who stated that the family wished to honor Raila’s desire for a swift burial while working within the necessary formalities

“It’s expected that we will move quickly in the next few days for the reason communicated by the family following consultations by the family and the lawyer. We have been advised by the family that it was Raila’s wish to be buried within the shortest time possible and the family has communicated that it’s 72 hours,” Kindiki remarked.

The government has pledged to work closely with the Odinga family to ensure a dignified send-off befitting his legacy as a veteran statesman and opposition leader.

Raila Odinga’s death leaves a significant leadership void in Kenya’s opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, but his contribution to Kenya’s political landscape as a fighter for democracy, multi-party politics, and social justice is firmly cemented in the nation’s history ​.