The family of Kenya’s late opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga led thousands of mourners on Sunday in a final farewell ceremony held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
The event marked the end of a week-long national mourning period for the man fondly known as Baba — a political giant whose voice shaped Kenya’s democracy for more than 40 years.
Raila’s family, led by Ida Odinga, Raila Junior, Rosemary, and Winnie Odinga, arrived to a deeply emotional welcome. People from all corners of the country gathered to pay their last respects, filling the air with songs of freedom and chants of “Baba Forever.”
In her moving tribute, Ida Odinga, the widow of the late leader, described her husband as “a man of the people whose heart beat for justice, unity, and a better Kenya.” She thanked Kenyans for standing by the family during their time of grief, saying the love and support shown had given them great strength.
Raila’s daughters, Rosemary and Winnie, also spoke passionately about their father’s courage and commitment to the people of Kenya. They vowed to carry on his dream of a united, fair, and prosperous nation.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Africa, including several presidents, former heads of state, and opposition leaders. The Kenyan national flag flew at half-mast, symbolizing the country’s deep sorrow and respect for one of its greatest sons.
As the funeral procession made its final journey to the Odinga family mausoleum, mourners lined the roads, waving flags and singing the liberation songs that had defined Raila’s political struggles.
The crowd’s chants of “Raila Tosha” and “Baba Forever” echoed through Bondo, a powerful reminder of the love and admiration Kenyans held for their fallen hero.
Raila Odinga will be remembered as a fearless champion of democracy, a voice for the voiceless, and a symbol of resilience whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
