The final resting place of the late opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga has become a site of political pilgrimage and reflection, as thousands of supporters and curious onlookers continue to stream into Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Nyamira, Bondo — two weeks after his burial.
The scene is both solemn and symbolic. Traditional Buola dancers from Gulu, Uganda, perform rhythmic farewell chants and heroic songs at the gravesite, praising the man many called “Baba wa Taifa” (Father of the Nation).
Visitors — young and old — kneel to pray, lay wreaths, and whisper tributes to a man whose political career defined Kenya’s multi-party era.
Raila’s gravesite has quickly transformed into a shrine of sorts, drawing mourners not only from across Kenya but also from neighboring countries. Some come seeking closure; others come seeking guidance for a movement now standing at a crossroads.
Since his passing, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) — the party he founded and led for over two decades — has been plunged into a quiet but intense battle over who will carry forward his political legacy.
Party insiders say a delicate balance now exists between the old guard, who were closest to Raila during his reform years, and a new generation of youthful leaders keen to modernize ODM’s image and strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We have lost a giant, but his vision must continue,” said Opiyo Wandayi, the Ugunja MP and longtime ODM loyalist. “What happens next will define whether ODM remains a movement or becomes just another political party.”
Multiple sources within the ODM National Executive Council reveal that discussions over succession have intensified in recent weeks, with prominent figures such as Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, and Gladys Wanga emerging as potential frontrunners.
While party officials have called for unity, behind closed doors, alliances are reportedly being forged along regional and ideological lines.
Analysts note that the Luo Nyanza bloc, Raila’s political bedrock, remains pivotal in determining ODM’s next leader — but there are growing calls for the party to expand its appeal beyond ethnic boundaries.
Political analyst Dr. Adams Oloo notes that ODM’s biggest challenge will be retaining cohesion in a post-Raila era.
“ODM has always been larger than life because of Raila’s charisma and consistency. Without him, the party must reinvent itself or risk splintering,” he said.
At the gravesite, the faithful continue to arrive daily — some singing liberation songs from the early 1990s, others carrying orange flags in silent remembrance.
Beatrice Achieng, a trader from Kisumu, said visiting the grave gives her a sense of peace.
“Baba may be gone, but his spirit is alive in us,” she said. “We come here to renew our hope for a better Kenya — the Kenya he dreamed of.”
Local administrators estimate that more than 10,000 people have visited the site since the burial on October 20, a national holiday that has now taken on a new layer of meaning for many Kenyans.
Meanwhile, the Odinga family has maintained a low profile amid the political discussions. Family sources say Ida Odinga and her children have been focusing on preserving Raila’s legacy through the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, which is expected to expand its work in leadership training and civic education.
While none of the family members have publicly declared interest in succeeding Raila politically, insiders suggest that they are likely to play a key advisory role in shaping ODM’s future direction.
As night falls on Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, candlelight vigils flicker beside the grave. Visitors sing softly, their voices blending into the lake breeze. For many, the pilgrimage is not about mourning but about recommitting to a vision of justice, democracy, and national unity.
“Baba built bridges — both literally and figuratively,” said Odhiambo Aluoch, a youth leader from Siaya. “It’s now up to us to cross them.”
Whether the ODM can find a new torchbearer to unite its ranks remains uncertain, but one thing is clear — Raila Odinga’s influence on Kenya’s political landscape continues to resonate far beyond his grave.
