Chadema official claims authorities blocked him, party members from attending Raila's funeral

Chadema Vice Chair John Heche has claimed that Tanzanian authorities confiscated his passport at the Isibania One Stop Border Post, preventing him from travelling to Kenya to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was buried in Bondo, Siaya County.

In a letter addressed to ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna on Sunday, Heche said the opposition party had organised an official delegation of its national leaders to travel to Kenya for the ceremony, but was blocked from crossing the border.

While Heche did not specify the delegation's full composition, he was expected to represent Tundu Lissu, who remains in custody in Tanzania amid an ongoing treason case.

The incident comes amid growing tension between Tanzania's ruling regime and the opposition, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration criticised for tightening its grip on dissent.

"I am informing on behalf of the Chama cha Demokrasia cha Maendeleo that we will not be able to attend the funeral of the late hon Raila Odinga as we had initially planned," the letter, seen by the Eastleigh Voice, reads.

"Our efforts were hindered by being denied passage at the Isibania One Stop Border, and my passport was confiscated, which made it possible for us to proceed with our journey as planned."

He added that the team had intended to join Kenyans in paying their last respects to Raila, describing the late leader as a close ally and political mentor who offered valuable counsel to Chadema on matters of democracy and opposition solidarity across East Africa.

According to Heche, the party's intention to attend the funeral stemmed from Odinga's long-standing support for democratic movements and governance reforms in the region.

"The late Raila Odinga will remain a pillar and a role model in the struggle for justice, equality and democracy in Africa," he said.

"We fully recognise his immense contribution in promoting government accountability, strengthening democratic institutions and defending the interests of the people."

Raila was laid to rest in a solemn ceremony attended by President William Ruto, local and regional dignitaries and thousands of mourners.

The funeral, which began with service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, followed by final prayers, a 17-gun salute and military honours at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, brought to a close the final send-off for Raila, who passed away in India on Wednesday.

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• Tanzania
• RAILA
• Raila Odinga
• Tanzania
• Tundu Lissu
• chadema
• John Heche
• Bondo
• Tanzanian authorities
• Isibania One Stop Border Post
• Chadema official claims authorities blocked him
• party members from attending Raila's funeral