Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo turns sombre as family prepares Raila Odinga’s grave
Images from the homestead showed Oburu, family members, and church leaders praying beside Jaramogi’s mausoleum before marking the ground for excavation.
Preparations for the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga have begun at his ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Nyamira, Bondo, where his grave is being dug beside that of his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
On Thursday, Raila’s elder brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, led family members, clergy, and close friends in identifying and blessing the exact burial site.
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Oburu confirmed that the grave, located about five metres from Jaramogi’s mausoleum, will serve as Raila’s final resting place.
“This is the spot where Raila Amolo Odinga will be buried. We have already identified and sanctified it, and it lies right next to our father’s grave,” Oburu said after prayers were conducted by the clergy.
Images from the homestead showed Oburu, family members, and church leaders praying beside Jaramogi’s mausoleum before marking the ground for excavation.
The family had initially considered another site within the compound, but later settled on the one beside Jaramogi’s grave to honour Raila’s wish to rest near his father.
“We wanted to fulfil his wish and ensure that he is laid to rest beside our father, the first Vice President of the Republic of Kenya,” Oburu said.
Videos from the compound showed work already underway at the gravesite as preparations intensify for Sunday’s burial ceremony.
Meanwhile, the public viewing of Raila’s body in Kisumu will take place at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, instead of Moi Stadium as earlier planned.
On Sunday morning, a funeral service will be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology before the family proceeds to Kang’o ka Jaramogi for the burial.
Members of the public have been invited to attend the service at the university before the body is taken home for interment.
Oburu said the burial will be a private ceremony attended by a few select individuals and will follow the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), as stated by State Funeral Committee co-chair and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
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