Nairobi, Kenya — October 17, 2025 Kenya’s President William Ruto on Friday led thousands of mourners in paying their final respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, in a solemn state funeral ceremony held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The ceremony marked the end of a week of national mourning filled with emotion, chaos, and reflection, as Kenyans from all walks of life gathered to honor one of the country’s most influential political figures.
Raila Odinga, who passed away in India earlier this month, was celebrated not only as a veteran opposition leader and democracy champion but also as a statesman whose political influence shaped Kenya’s modern history.
The state funeral brought together an unprecedented crowd — political allies, rivals, diplomats, regional leaders, and ordinary citizens — all united in grief and respect.
President Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, described Raila as “a fearless patriot whose sacrifices expanded Kenya’s democratic space and inspired generations.”
He added, “Despite our political differences, Raila Odinga taught us the value of resilience, courage, and patriotism. His dream for a united Kenya must live on through all of us.”
The ceremony drew several regional dignitaries, including Tanzania’s former president Jakaya Kikwete, Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, and representatives from the African Union (AU) and United Nations.
Former Tanzanian president Kikwete hailed Raila as a “Pan-African leader who believed in regional integration and social justice.”
In a moving tribute, Raila’s brother Oburu Odinga thanked the Kenyan people and the government for according his late sibling a state funeral, calling it “a reflection of the nation’s gratitude to a man who gave everything to his country.”
The funeral followed days of chaos and tension in Nairobi, as enormous crowds overwhelmed security forces during Raila’s body viewing events at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Kasarani Stadium.
Police had to use tear gas to control the surging crowds, resulting in injuries and public outrage. Several opposition leaders condemned what they termed “unnecessary use of force” against grieving supporters.
Despite these challenges, Friday’s event at Nyayo Stadium proceeded under tight security, with military honors and cultural performances that reflected Raila’s Luo heritage. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) gave a 21-gun salute, while choirs and traditional dancers performed songs of remembrance.
Following the state funeral, Raila’s body is expected to be flown to Kisumu for a public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium before being taken to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday.
Family members have indicated that the burial ceremony in Bondo will be private, attended by close family and selected dignitaries, even as thousands of supporters are expected to line the streets to bid him farewell.
Raila Odinga, fondly known as “Baba” or “Jakom”, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government formed after the post-election violence.
Over his decades-long career, he became a symbol of democratic reform, multi-party activism, and Pan-African unity.
Political analyst Prof. Herman Manyora described Raila as “the heartbeat of Kenya’s democracy — a man who lost elections but never lost his influence.”
Across Kenya, flags continue to fly at half-mast as thousands gather in churches, social halls, and open fields to remember the man they called “the people’s president.”
In Kisumu, Siaya, and Nairobi, giant screens were set up to allow citizens to follow the funeral proceedings live.
As one mourner put it: “Raila taught us that freedom is not given; it is fought for. Today, we cry not because he is gone, but because he left us with a mission — to keep his dream alive.”
Raila Amollo Odinga (1945–2025):
A fighter, a reformer, a patriot. His voice may be silent, but his spirit will echo through Kenya’s history for generations to come.
