| Written by Faith Mwende |
The High Court has declined to issue orders stopping the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025.
This follows a petition filed by a man seeking to block what he termed as a rushed burial, claiming it violated Luo customs and traditions.
In his ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita said the petitioner failed to prove that the burial arrangements were against the wishes of the late statesman, making it difficult for the court to grant the conservatory orders sought. He also questioned the urgency of the application.
“This matter coming up for directions on the Notice of Motion and Petition, both dated 16th October 2025 before Honourable Justice E C Mwita and upon considering the pleadings, I am not satisfied on the urgency of this matter,” the judge ruled.
“The applicant has not demonstrated that the process is being undertaken contrary to the wishes of the deceased to enable this court to act on the request for the conservatory orders,” the statement by the court added.
Raila Odinga is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in line with his wishes to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
Court documents reveal that the petitioner argued Odinga had been a strong advocate of Luo traditions and had been crowned as an elder by the Luo Council of Elders in Bondo, Siaya County, in 2020. He insisted that the burial should be conducted with the full honor and dignity accorded to a Luo warrior, saying that rushing the process would undermine the late leader’s legacy.
