A host of regional and international dignitaries gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday to pay their final respects to Kenya’s late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, in a state funeral marked by solemnity and reverence.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, flanked by his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The ceremony, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds before interment at the family’s Kango Ka Jaramogi home, drew thousands of mourners and heads of state representatives.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta made a poignant return to the political stage, describing Odinga as “a man whose courage and conviction transcended politics.”
Also in attendance was Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a longtime friend of the Odinga family, who hailed him as “a Pan-African patriot who fought for justice not just in Kenya, but across the continent.”
Uganda was represented by Hon. John Mulimba, Uganda Minister of Foreign Affairs, while former Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda joined the delegation, underscoring Odinga’s regional stature.
The Democratic Republic of Congo sent Ive Bonji Sangara, while Jessica Magufuli, widow of former Tanzanian President John Magufuli, attended on behalf of the Tanzanian people.
Widow of the former Zimbabwean President, Elizabeth Changirai also present.
The State funeral combined full state honours with moments of deep personal reflection, as leaders praised Odinga’s lifelong pursuit of democracy, equality, and national unity.
President Ruto described Odinga as “a formidable opponent and a patriot whose sacrifices helped shape the nation we know today.”
The funeral marked the culmination of a week of national mourning, closing the final chapter in the life of one of Kenya’s most consequential political figures.
