Kenya’s long-time opposition leader, Raila Odinga, was laid to rest in a state funeral on Sunday in his hometown of Bondo, western Kenya, following several days of national mourning attended by tens of thousands of people.
Odinga, who died aged 80 on Wednesday in India, was celebrated as a fearless champion of democracy who endured imprisonment and exile during Daniel arap Moi’s autocratic rule. His death triggered a wave of grief across the nation.
Thousands of mourners filled the streets of Bondo to pay their final respects. Military officers saluted as his coffin was lowered into the ground, accompanied by the solemn sound of trumpets playing the Last Post.
Although earlier memorials in Nairobi were marred by tragedy — with five people killed in separate incidents, including three shot dead by police on Thursday and two crushed in a stampede on Friday — Sunday’s burial proceeded peacefully.
Mourners travelled from across Kenya to honour Odinga. “He taught us to fight for our rights,” said Grace Auma Lubale, 40. “According to our customs, we had to step on the soil where he rests so that our hearts can be at peace. We’ll miss him deeply, but his legacy will live on.”
Often regarded as the most influential Kenyan politician of his generation, Odinga served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013. Despite five unsuccessful presidential bids, he remained a towering figure in national politics and played a crucial role in restoring multi-party democracy in the 1990s.
Sunday’s proceedings began with a public state funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, named after his father. Crowds chanted “Jowi” — a local cry for strength and courage — and “Baba”, his popular nickname meaning “father” in Swahili.
Dignitaries, including Kenyan President William Ruto and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, paid tribute to the late leader. “It’s a big blow,” said Ruto, who had recently formed a political alliance with Odinga.
Kenyan media reported that Odinga became the first person in the country’s history to receive a state funeral without having served as president — a testament to his enduring influence and national stature.
“Baba is still in our hearts; no one can replace him,” said Erick Saunda, 37, a teacher from Kisumu. “Even in death, he remains our hero. Nobody appointed him a kingpin — he earned it.”