Former United States President Barack Obama has mourned the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a leader who dedicated his entire life to advancing democracy and freedom in Kenya.

In a tribute on Saturday, October 18, Obama said Raila demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, self-governance, and national unity throughout his political journey.

“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya. Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions,” he said.

Obama went on to praise Raila’s ability to choose reconciliation and peace even in the face of political challenges, noting that his values and leadership inspired people far beyond Kenya’s borders.

“Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.

“Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya,” he added.

Raila passed away on Wednesday morning, October 15, at the age of 80.

He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, India.

Raila was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where doctors pronounced him dead at 7:22 a.m.

Following the tragic news, former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Raila as a towering statesman and a personal friend, reflecting on their shared history, marked by rivalry, reconciliation, and unity of purpose. 

He said the news of Raila’s passing had left a deep void in the country and in his own heart.

“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction,” he said.

Uhuru went on to describe Raila as a major influence in his personal and political life, acknowledging their complicated yet meaningful relationship over the years.

“To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved.

“At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense,” he added.

Internationally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Raila as a cherished friend of India and a great admirer of its culture and traditions.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and our association continued over the years,” he said.

Modi highlighted Raila’s affection for India and his efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations.

“He had a special affection for India, our culture, values, and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and the traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief,” he added.

Raila will be buried on Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda Farm in Bondo. 

The body of deceased ODM leader Raila Odinga arrived in Kisumu County on Saturday, October 18. 

Thousands of Mourners gathered at the Mamboleo Showground to pay their last respects.

Perhaps due to the constraints of time and the multitudes gathered to pay homage, the ODM party announced that no speeches would be allowed during that phase of Raila’s last journey. 

“No speeches at Mamboleo Showground. Only viewing. We urge the public to be orderly during the viewing of the body of our Leader, Raila Odinga. Major General Nyagah, the General Officer Commanding Western Command, to lead Raila Odinga’s 3rd Day Program,” the party announced.

At the venue are ranking Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), state and ODM officials.

The bereaved family, led by the widowed Mama Ida Odinga, is also at the grounds.

The viewing event is being presided over by the KDF officers in observation of President William Ruto’s proclamation to sanction a state funeral for Raila. 

Given Raila’s stature, the president announced that the deceased would be accorded a send-off befitting a statesman.

Raila will be accorded full military honours in his final journey, the president announced.

His body lay in state at Parliament Buildings on Friday morning, October 17.

The president noted that taking Raila’s body to parliament was significant, having sat there for years to represent the Lang’ata Constituency.

“For fifteen years, our departed leader, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, served the people of Langata Constituency with unwavering dedication and distinction as their Member of Parliament. During this time, he was a tireless champion of justice, democracy, and progress, playing a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in our Republic’s history, most notably the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his tenure as Kenya’s Prime Minister,” the president noted.

“It is, therefore, most fitting that he lies in state at the August House, granting the three arms of Government – Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary – and the nation a solemn moment to honour, with reverence and gratitude, the life and legacy of a true patriot and statesman,” he added.

Raila’s body was later taken to Nyayo National Stadium for the state funeral.

President Ruto presided over the state event.

Others in attendance were high-ranking dignitaries from Kenya and outside the country; Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta were among the leaders present to honour Raila.

Raila died in India on October 15, aged 80.

He is set to be laid to rest at his native Bondo home on Sunday, October 19.

Former Gatundu MP Moses Kuria has called for the renaming of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement on Friday, October 17, Kuria said Raila’s contribution to technical education in Kenya inspired the proposal.

Kuria noted that the institution, previously known as The Kenya Polytechnic, has deep historical ties to the University of Nairobi, where Raila once taught. 

“The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) previously The Kenya Polytecnic was once the Engineering wing of the Unoversity of Nairobi. Engineer Raila Odinga was not just a lecturer at UON School of Engineering. He was also an ardent believer in technical education since his days at Madelberg College in Germany,” he said.

Kuria went on to reveal that he had formally written to the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, proposing the renaming.

“I have today written to Education CS Julius Ogamba requesting to rename Technical University of Kenya into Raila Odinga Technical University. If I was CS I would do it straight away,” he added.

This comes years after the Nairobi County Government, in conjunction with the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) renamed Mbagathi Road to Raila Odinga Way.

The brief event, held on Thursday, November 2, 2021, was led by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

According to reports, the renaming of Mbagathi Road to Raila Odinga Way wass meant to honor the former premier’s sacrifice and fight for democracy in the country.

This was among the recent roads that have been renamed in honour of Kenyan leaders.

Others include Accra Road which was renamed Keneth Matiba Road and Dik Dik Road which was renamed Francis Atwoli Road.

However, the renaming of Mbagathi Road to Raila Odinga has sparked division among Kenyans online.

While a section has questioned why the road had to be renamed after the former Prime Minister, others welcomed it, while taking note of his achievements as a leader.

“Why are we honouring thieves in this day and age by having Raila Odinga Way & Francis Atwoli Road? Thinking face These people have achieved nothing except dividing, impoverishing, and stealing from Kenyans. Why are we celebrating our captors, our oppressors, and our thieves in this day and age?” Nahashon Kimemia posed.

On the other hand, Abraham Mutai said, “Young Kenyans born in the 2000s will hate changing the Mbagathi way to Raila Odinga Way because most don’t read and are ignorant. Raila commissioned the construction of Mbagathi Way in 2005. It was constructed using concrete slabs, still going strong with no potholes or cracks 16 years later.”

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga with a symbolic gift of bulls delivered to his ancestral home in Opoda, Bondo, Siaya County.

The gesture, deeply rooted in cultural tradition, signified solidarity and respect from Mudavadi and the wider Mulembe community as the nation continues to mourn Raila’s passing.

On Saturday, a delegation of elders from the Western region arrived in Bondo to present the animals, describing them as a token of unity and goodwill toward the Odinga family. Clad in traditional regalia, the elders conveyed Mudavadi’s condolences and praised Raila’s lifelong commitment to Kenya’s political liberation.

“Today we are bringing cows from our minister in solidarity with the departed,” one elder said while addressing mourners at the Odinga homestead.

Another elder used a proverb to emphasize the spirit of brotherhood behind the offering, saying, “If you put ugali without greens, it burns you. So we saw it fit to bring greens here. We brought cows and other items to honour the family.”

The gesture was warmly received by Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda and members of the Luo community, who thanked Mudavadi and the Mulembe delegation for their expression of unity. They said the act reflected the long-standing bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the Luo and Luhya communities.

Raila, who passed away on October 15 at the age of 80, is being remembered as a towering statesman who devoted his life to the fight for multiparty democracy, social justice, and constitutional reform.

His body is currently lying in state at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, where thousands of mourners have gathered for public viewing. He will be laid to rest on Sunday at his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has declared that the ODM Party will remain in government until 2027 and beyond.

Speaking on Friday, October 17, Wandayi affirmed that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga entrusted them to continue working within the government led by President William Ruto.

“Baba has left us in government led by President Ruto and that is where we are going to stay till the end. I can dare say with no fear of contradiction that we shall walk step by step with President Ruto to the end, now and beyond 2027,” he said.

However, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi took issue with Wandayi’s statement, urging him to focus on mourning Raila instead of making political declarations.

“It is not proper for some ODM leaders to come to Baba’s funeral crying that Raila Odinga left Nyanza people in the government. Let us mourn first, then tell us where he left you.

“And if indeed he left you in the government, why should you shout at the top of your voices? I thought when Baba says left, it’s left; right, it’s right. It should flow smoothly,” he said.

This comes months after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also stated that ODM intends to support Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 elections.

Speaking in Kericho on October 17, 2024, Wandayi emphasized that ODM’s collaboration with Ruto is steadfast and will extend beyond the upcoming elections.  

“I believe that our political partnership will hold strong beyond 2027. We have decided to work with President William Ruto and will stay committed to that cause. We are part and parcel of the government and the government’s foundations remain strong.

“It’s our responsibility to ensure the government remains strong. Let us keep supporting the president so that he can continue leading the government even beyond the next elections. I come from Siaya, Nyanza and we are known to make firm decisions and stand by them. We have decided to work with the president. In the event you hear noises, don’t be troubled, even one bit,” he said.

Wandayi further explained that his decision to join Ruto’s government was driven by national interests.

“I was in the opposition. However, the country is more important than individuals or political parties. That is why, when President William Ruto invited me to join his government, I accepted without hesitation,” he remarked.

Around the same time, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda said that the ODM Party plans to support Ruto’s bid for a second term. 

In an interview on Thursday, December 9, Ojienda stated that ODM’s support for Ruto will come as part of a broader coalition agreement that may include having a running mate from ODM.

“ODM will support President Ruto for a second term; it will be a major player. The coalition agreement may include a possibility of having a deputy president from ODM,” he stated.

Several people fainted and were carried out of Mamboleo Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025, during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, as overwhelming emotions gripped mourners in his hometown.

Videos shared on social media showed distressed individuals being carried out of the stadium on stretchers by medical personnel.

Kisumu, which has always been Raila’s political base and home to his most devoted supporters, witnessed scenes of profound grief as thousands of residents turned out to pay their final respects to the man they revered as their own.

The stadium was filled with wailing mourners expressing their sorrow, while others celebrated Raila’s life through dancing, a traditional display of both grief and honor in Luo culture.

The emotional intensity of the occasion led to numerous cases of people fainting and requiring medical attention.

The Kenya Red Cross, which has been instrumental in providing medical support throughout the funeral proceedings, had teams stationed at Mamboleo Stadium ready to attend to those overcome by emotion or affected by the crowded conditions.

The humanitarian organization has been a constant presence throughout the four-day State Funeral programme, responding to multiple incidents across different venues.

Unlike the chaotic scenes witnessed at JKIA on Thursday and Kasarani Stadium on Thursday and Friday, the viewing at Mamboleo proceeded in a relatively orderly manner.

So far, no major incidents of chaos have been reported at the Kisumu venue, with security forces successfully managing the large crowds while allowing mourners the space to grieve.

The Kenya Red Cross has been deployed continuously since Thursday, responding to injuries and medical emergencies at multiple locations throughout the funeral proceedings.

On Friday, during the State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, the organization responded to a stampede that left many in need of urgent care.

“Our team in action at the Nyayo National Stadium following a stampede during the State Funeral of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. Providing care, psychosocial support, and medical evacuations alongside other emergency response partners,” the Red Cross stated.

Raila’s body arrived in Kisumu on Saturday morning aboard a military helicopter, which was accorded a ceremonial water salute upon landing at Kisumu International.

The body was then transported to Mamboleo Stadium for public viewing, which was scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the official State Funeral programme announced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Captain Saviemaria Ondego, the pilot who commanded the Kenya Airways flight that brought former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body home from India on Thursday, has shared an emotional account of the historic journey, describing it as a ‘surreal moment’.

Speaking about the experience, Captain Ondego revealed the emotional weight she carried as she prepared to address passengers aboard Flight KQ203, which switched its call sign to RAO001 upon entering Kenyan airspace as a tribute to the fallen leader.

“It really was a surreal moment. Every day is never a normal day at our job. And like any flight, we woke up to a roster,” Captain Ondego stated. “There was, however, a heaviness and a responsibility to our country that made it not a normal flight,” she added.

When the time came to make the traditional captain’s, Captain Ondego was overwhelmed by emotion.

“To be honest, I went to speak and nothing came out. I had to come off the speaker, take a deep breath, and then try again,” she recalled.

Despite the initial struggle, the experienced pilot found her voice and delivered what would become a memorable three-minute tribute to the former Prime Minister.

“My voice was a little shaky, but it was important to me, and somehow the words flowed,” she said.

Captain Ondego’s in-flight announcement honored Raila’s legacy and offered condolences to his family and the nation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Today, we acknowledge a significant loss felt across Kenya and Africa. On behalf of the Kenya Airways family, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of the right honorable Raila Odinga, a visionary leader and a passionate Pan-Africanist,” the tribute read.

“His influence transcends borders, inspiring many with his dedication to peace and determination to address our continent’s challenges,” she announced over the aircraft’s public address system.

Concluding her remarks, Captain Ondego emphasized national unity in the face of loss.

“To our country, to the Kenyans all around, to the family of Hon. Raila Odinga, we are with them, our hearts are with them, and we are one as a country going forward,” she said.

Kenya Airways had announced that Flight KQ203 would switch to the special call sign RAO001 upon entering Kenyan airspace at approximately 8:50 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

The gesture was designed to honor and respect the memory of the veteran leader who had passed away the previous day in India.

The special call sign, reflecting Raila’s initials, signified his stature as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. The flight landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at around 9:30 a.m., where it was received by President William Ruto and other dignitaries.