The arrival of Dr. Oburu Oginga at the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ancestral home in Bondo on Thursday, October 16, 2025, marked a significant cultural milestone. He officially communicated to the community that their son had passed away.
Dr. Oburu flew to Bondo to fulfill a critical traditional responsibility: officially opening the home to mourners and announcing the death to the clan and villagers, a duty that would typically fall to Raila’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga.
However, due to time constraints that prevented Mama Ida from traveling to Bondo immediately, the responsibility to perform this essential cultural rite was transferred to Jaramogi Oginga’s eldest son, Dr. Oburu.
Upon arrival, Dr. Oburu was immediately engaged with elders, community members, and friends to brief them on the deliberations of the national funeral planning committee, ensuring that the local community understood the arrangements for the coming days.
The meeting brought Raila’s peers, friends, and relatives together to discuss the funeral programme and coordinate local preparations with national arrangements.
Church officials from the Diocese of Bondo, representing the Anglican Church, were also present at the gathering. The clergy’s presence is significant as the funeral service will be conducted by the Anglican Church in accordance with Raila’s faith and family traditions.
Oburu also urged the people to maintain peace and allow them to lay Odinga to rest within 72 hours, as it was his will.
“I have come here to be with my people and to appeal to them to be peaceful and give Raila a dignified sendoff that he deserves,” Oburu stated.
According to local customs, Raila’s house remained closed throughout Wednesday and Thursday, awaiting the formal announcement of his passing to the community.
As tradition dictates, the home could be officially opened to mourners only after Oburu’s arrival.
Following the briefing sessions, Dr. Oburu and the elders were expected to proceed to the Oginga family home to select the burial site and commence grave digging in preparation for Sunday’s burial ceremony.
The traditional preparations in Bondo run parallel to the elaborate State Funeral programme announced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the State Funeral Committee.
Raila’s body arrived in Nairobi on Thursday at 8:30 am from Mumbai and was received by President William Ruto at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
However, the reception was marred by a security breach when mourners gained unauthorized access to restricted areas, forcing a two-hour suspension of airport operations.
The public viewing, initially planned for Parliament Buildings, was relocated to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, due to overwhelming crowds.
The event was later disrupted when police fired teargas to control the massive turnout, triggering a stampede that left several people injured.
According to the official programme, a State Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo Stadium, bringing together dignitaries worldwide. The body will then be taken to the family’s Karen home for an overnight stay.
On Saturday, October 18, Raila’s body will travel to Kisumu for public viewing at Mamboleo stadium between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., before proceeding by road to Bondo for an overnight stay.
The burial ceremony, which will be conducted by the Anglican Church on Sunday, October 19, is scheduled for Raila’s Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County.
