Idah Odinga, the widow of the late Raila Odinga, has stated that his final wish to be interred within 72 hours of his passing caught the family by surprise.
The revelation was made in January 2026, roughly three months after the former Prime Minister’s death in October 2025.
Idah Odinga mentioned that the family was unaware of this specific timeline until his will was read.
She expressed surprise that such a short period was requested, given the typically long and elaborate nature of traditional Luo funerals.
In accordance with his will, Raila requested to be buried next to his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, at their ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo.
Because he passed away abroad (in India), the 72-hour timeline proved extremely tight. Idah expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for providing the necessary government support to ensure the swift repatriation and fulfillment of the 72-hour burial wish.
Confidants and family members suggested that Raila wanted to avoid the financial burden and wastefulness often associated with prolonged funeral rites. He reportedly admired Islamic burial customs for their dignity and promptness.
The decision sparked significant discussion within the Luo community, leading to a High Court petition that unsuccessfully sought to block the expedited burial on the grounds that it violated traditional mourning customs.
Raila Odinga was ultimately buried on Sunday, 19 October 2025, following a four-day state funeral program that included viewing at Parliament and a state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium.
By Anthony Solly
