Several foreign leaders have arrived in Nairobi to attend the State Funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium. Their presence shows the extent of Raila’s influence across East Africa and his long-standing role in fostering regional diplomacy.
Taye Atske Selassie Amde, President of Ethiopia since 2024, attended the funeral as a mark of respect. Before becoming president, Selassie served in various diplomatic roles, including ambassador to Egypt, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
His administration has maintained strong ties with Kenya, focusing on trade, infrastructure, and regional security.
Philip Mpango, appointed Tanzania’s Vice President in March 2021, also attended. Kenya and Tanzania share a long history of diplomatic cooperation through the East African Community (EAC).
Raila Odinga was instrumental in promoting regional integration during his political career.
Rebecca Nyedeng, Vice President of South Sudan since August 2023, represented her country at the funeral. Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior (born 15 July 1956) also heads the Gender and Youth Cluster.
Previously, Nyandeng served as Minister of Roads and Transport for the autonomous government of Southern Sudan. From 2007 to 2014, she worked as an advisor to the President of South Sudan on gender and human rights. Her attendance reflects the strong diplomatic ties between South Sudan and Kenya, which have hosted numerous peace talks facilitated by Odinga.
Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who led the country from 2005 to 2015, joined the ceremony as a senior statesman. Kikwete shared a long professional and personal relationship with Raila, collaborating on EAC forums and regional development initiatives.
Vincent Biruta attended the State Funeral to represent Rwanda’s government. He was appointed to the position on June 12, 2024.
Before his appointment, he served as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He has held several other ministerial roles, including Minister of Environment, Minister of Natural Resources, and Minister of Education.
Hassen Sheikh Mohammed, Somalia’s President, attended the State Funeral as a representative of his country. His presence underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Kenya and Somalia. Mohammed highlighted Raila Odinga’s commitment to regional peace and stability, recalling the late leader’s efforts to mediate conflicts and foster collaboration across East Africa.
The attendance of these leaders shows Raila Odinga’s reputation as a statesman whose influence went beyond Kenya’s borders. Throughout his career, he acted as a bridge between governments, supporting cooperative trade agreements, joint infrastructure projects, and regional conflict resolution.
At Nyayo Stadium, the foreign dignitaries joined thousands of Kenyans, including President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, members of Parliament, and the judiciary, led by Chief Justice Martha Koome. The ceremony included military honours, a requiem mass led by the Anglican Church of Kenya, and a public viewing of Raila’s body.
The State Funeral serves as both a farewell to a national leader and a gathering of regional dignitaries, in respect to Raila Odinga’s legacy as a champion of diplomacy and development. After the ceremony in Nairobi, his body will be taken to Bondo for burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
