Raila Odinga’s State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium has attracted regional and national leaders who turned up to pay their final respects and honour his legacy.
Among the prominent figures in attendance are Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango, South Sudan Deputy President Rebbeca Nyandeng Garang and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
President William Ruto, Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome and other government officials are also in attendance.
Other notable figures include former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua, former interior CS Fred Matiangi, former Public CS Justin Muturi, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Mukhisa Kituyi.
Raila’s family, Mama Ida Odinga, Raila Odinga junior, Winnie Odinga and Rosemary Odinga, alongside Raila’s long-time bodyguard Maurice Ogeta, are also present.
The State Funeral will include a church service led by the Anglican Church, a eulogy, and speeches from various leaders.
The former Prime Minister will also be accorded military honours by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The event is scheduled to last for two hours, after which Raila’s body will be placed for public viewing.
Speaking on Thursday evening, DP Kindiki announced public viewing will begin at around 12 p.m. and will continue for as long as possible to allow many Kenyans to pay their last respects.
“There will be a public viewing of the remains of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga after the State event.
“Therefore, those who want to continue mourning our departed leader have no cause to worry; there will be another opportunity, and we will stretch that opportunity from noon to as far as possible, to give the highest number of mourners to pay their last respects,” Kindiki said.
On Saturday, Raila’s body will be moved to Kisumu on where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.
Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his Bondo home beside the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son, Fidel Odinga.
The ODM leader passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in India.
