Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has reflected on one of the most iconic moments in Kenya’s political history — the day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga swore himself in as the “People’s President” at Uhuru Park.

Speaking in a media interview with Citizen TV on Friday, Matiang’i described the January 30, 2018, event as the greatest test of his career as the country’s security chief.

He noted, however, that it was a test they managed to pass, despite the presence of thousands of supporters at the venue.

“When Raila went to swear himself in at Uhuru Park, it was the greatest test for me as the Minister for Security.  We discussed the issue with other members of the security council and agreed that it was a test we had to pass,” Matiang’i said.

“It was a test we passed, because not a single shot was fired despite there being almost 7,000 people in the field.”

He revealed that ahead of the ceremony, security chiefs held extensive discussions and agreed that the only way to manage the situation was to ensure no bloodshed.

“We had assured ourselves that it was a test we had to pass. And we did, because no shots were fired,” Matiang’i recalled.

The self-swearing ceremony came just months after Kenya’s disputed 2017 elections.

President Uhuru Kenyatta had been sworn in for a second term after winning a repeat poll in October, which Raila boycotted.

The opposition leader, insisting he was the rightful winner of the first annulled election, staged his own symbolic oath-taking at Uhuru Park, complete with thousands of cheering supporters and a Bible in hand.

At the time, the government had warned against the event. Media outlets covering it were briefly shut down.

Reflecting on Raila himself, Matiang’i noted that beyond the political brinkmanship, the ODM leader carried an aura of lightheartedness that defused tension even in difficult times.

“What always amazed me about Raila Odinga was that every time we met, even during difficult moments, there was never a time he failed to laugh or make a light-hearted joke about it,” Matiang’i said.

“There was no hatred between us. For me, it was duty. And for him, politics was never a matter of hatred or blood.”

The Uhuru Park event remains a defining chapter in the country’s political history.

The former Prime Minister died on October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is among the top leaders who have expressed condolences to the family following the loss.

Earlier on Friday morning, he joined other leaders and citizens at Parliament Buildings to pay his last respects to the late veteran leader. He also attended the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.

In a solemn moment of reflection, Matiang’i honoured the legacy of a patriot whose unwavering fight for democracy and justice helped shape the course of Kenya’s history.

The late Raila Odinga’s long-serving personal bodyguard Maurice Ogeta has finally paid an emotional tribute to the man he protected for years, describing their bond as one that transcended duty, a connection he likened to that of a father and son.

In a heartfelt message, Ogeta reflected on his time by Raila’s side, recalling years marked by trust, loyalty, and shared sacrifice. He said the role was far more than a job; it was a journey of personal growth shaped by the mentorship of a leader he deeply admired.

His tribute adds a deeply personal layer to the outpouring of grief and remembrance that has followed the passing of one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures.

He credited Raila— affectionately known as “Jakom” — with shaping his life and career, saying the role was not just a job but a journey of personal growth under the mentorship of a man he deeply respected.

“Jakom, the commitment in the years-old service to and under you, and the undeniably very close nexus blossomed to both comradeship of trust and a near father-son relationship,” Ogeta wrote in his tribute.

Ogeta, who had been at Raila’s side through countless political rallies, campaigns, and even moments of personal danger, said their relationship grew stronger over time as mutual trust was built.

Earlier, an emotional scene unfolded at Parliament as Ogeta broke down during the viewing of the former Prime Minister’s body.

Ogeta appeared visibly shaken as he entered the hall.

Supported by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, he embraced President William Ruto in a moment that transcended political lines.

His lips were trembling and his steps unsteady as he made his way to his seat.

Once seated, Ogeta could be seen crying, wiping his tears, his grief echoing the sorrow felt across the nation.

Olekina remained by his side, offering comfort as mourners looked on in silence.

Ogeta’s breakdown was a poignant reminder of the personal bonds behind public service.

Having stood by Raila through years of political struggle and personal triumphs, his reaction captured the depth of loss felt by those closest to the ODM leader.

Behind the dark glasses and serious expressions, Ogeta has carried a heavy emotional weight.

In Raila’s final days in India, Ogeta was among the few who remained close, a silent witness to the last chapter of a storied life.

Ogeta has served Raila for years, with his devotion having been tested in 2023 during a politically charged period when he was abducted by unknown men believed to be police officers.

For days, he vanished. When finally released, he was found blindfolded and visibly shaken, a stark reminder of the risks that come with guarding a figure as prominent and polarising as Raila.

Despite the trauma, Ogeta never wavered. He returned to his post, standing beside Raila through rallies, negotiations and moments of national tension.

Ogeta’s career spans over two decades of elite military and security training across the globe.

Reports indicate he underwent professional instruction in Afghanistan and France, each for two years, focusing on advanced protection, intelligence gathering and tactical response.

His most extensive training came from Israel’s Special Forces, where he spent 15 years honing skills in counter-surveillance and rapid combat reaction.

He also trained with Russian forces for 10 years, gaining expertise in high-level personal protection.

The government has confirmed that approximately 100 people received medical treatment after sustaining injuries during chaotic scenes at the body viewing exercise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Speaking on Thursday, October 16, during the state funeral at Nyayo stadium, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga noted that despite the disorder, all injured individuals were attended to by emergency medical teams on site.

This comes amid unconfirmed reports that four people may have died during the stampede.

Dr. Oluga urged Kenyans to remain calm and orderly as the nation prepares for Raila’s burial on Sunday, assuring the public that the government has put comprehensive measures in place to manage crowds and respond to any medical emergencies.

“We would like to request Kenyans to keep calm and maintain order. We are all mourning; we should maintain peace,” he said. 

“Let us not be aggressive in our efforts. Yesterday, there was chaos at Kasarani, and people got injured. Approximately 100 people received treatment. Please, we do not want people to get injured again,” Oluga added. 

Chaos on Thursday afternoon erupted at Kasarani stadium when thousands of supporters of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga attempted to forcefully access the VIP staging area where his body was being held for public viewing.

The crowd seemingly got impatient and tired of waiting, and thereafter started hurling chairs and stones at the security guards who were manning the said area.

The ensuing melee, which occurred a few minutes past 3pm, forced police officers to fire in the air and lob teargas canisters at the thousands of people who had gathered at the stadium.

This forced the crowd to scatter out of the stadium. At least two people were seen seriously injured and receiving first aid from officers of the National Youth Service (NYS).

The national funeral committee has announced a change in the funeral arrangements of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, cancelling the planned overnight stay of his body at his Karen residence.

The new development was confirmed in a statement on Friday, October 17, by ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale.

“The national funeral committee wishes to announce to the public that due to unavoidable circumstances, the body of the HE. The late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for overnight-stay as earlier planned,” he said.

Etale noted that after the ongoing public viewing at the Nyayo National Stadium, the body will instead be returned to the Lee Funeral Home for preservation ahead of its journey to Kisumu on Saturday morning.

“Instead, after public viewing that is currently going on at the Nyayo National Stadium, it will be taken back to the Lee Funeral Home for preservation in readiness for airlifting to Kisumu tomorrow (Saturday 18/10/2025) morning,” the statement added.

According to an earlier programme, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had indicated that the body will be moved to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight stay after the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium before leaving Nairobi for Kisumu for public viewing on Saturday.

Afterwards, the body travels by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay.

Elsewhere, Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, revealed intimate details of her father’s final moments, disclosing that the former Prime Minister died in her arms after completing his morning walk.

Winnie dispelled rumors that had circulated on social media about the circumstances of her father’s death, painting instead a picture of a man who remained strong and dignified until his final breath. 

“I was with him when he took his last breath. He died in my arms. But he did not die like people have been saying on social media. Every day he woke up and walked. He would do one round. Sometimes two rounds. That morning, he did five rounds,” she revealed.

Winnie emphasized that her father’s death was not marked by weakness or suffering, but rather by the same strength and determination that had defined his life.

“He died strong and with dignity and with pride. We all must walk with our heads held high, as he left as a gentleman,” she added.

On behalf of the Odinga family, Winnie expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans from all corners of the country who had turned out to mourn their beloved leader.

“As a family, we thank all of you from Turkana to Lamu, from Isiolo to the shores of Lake Victoria,” she said, acknowledging the nationwide outpouring of grief that had characterized the past two days. “The King is dead, but long live the crown.”

On her part, Rosemary shared a personal account of the moment she learnt about her father’s passing. 

She recounted the confusion and disbelief that followed the devastating call from her brother, Raila Odinga Jr.

“I remember the day I received the message. I was seated on the table, just finished my breakfast, and then my brother Raila Odinga Jr. called me, and he asked me where I was. And I told him, I’m seated at the table. And then he asked me to sit down. And I asked myself, do I sit on the floor, or on the table, or the seat at the table is good enough? I was so confused. But then Junior then told me that our father was no longer with us,” she said.

Rosemary went on to express the enduring pain her family continues to experience since the passing of their father, describing how his absence has left a profound void in their lives.

“Until today, it is still very difficult. It is very difficult for us to feel like a family. And today, we are here to pray for Kenya and the rest of the world. I want to say thank you very much,” she added.