Live blog: Raila Odinga interred, honoured with 17-gun salute

Raila Odinga's security lay a wreath whose floral letters spell out the former premier's beloved title, Baba.

Leaders, including President William Ruto, depart following the conclusion of the private burial at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo after bidding farewell to Raila Odinga.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and select ODM leaders lay a wreath on Raila Odinga's grave.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta lays a wreath at Raila Odinga's grave.

President William Ruto lays a wreath at Raila Odinga's grave.

Senator Oburu Oginga, the former Prime Minister's eldest brother, lays a wreath alongside his family.

Raila Odinga's children, Raila Jr, Rosemary and Winnie, lay a wreath.

Mama Ida Odinga, alongside her daughter Winnie, lay a wreath at Raila Odinga's grave.

Ida Odinga handed the flag that draped Raila Odinga’s casket during the State funeral, which began in India, continued with public viewings in Nairobi, followed by transportation to Kisumu, and concluded with the final journey to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.

Final goodbyes as family members throw soil on Raila Odinga's casket to symbolise the natural return to the earth and the finality of death.

The clergy offer the last rites, prayers and ministrations.

Raila Odinga's iconic fedora and flywhisk were placed on the casket.

Kenya Navy gives 17-gun salute in honour of Baba, Raila Odinga.

Raila Odinga’s casket lowered into the grave at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, marking the solemn conclusion of his farewell.

Military guard mounted at the gate as Raila Odinga's body is wheeled into Opoda Farm for final burial rites.

Raila Odinga's body has arrived at the Opoda Farm for his private burial.

Mourners line the road as the hearse bearing Raila Odinga's remains departs for the former premier's Opoda Farm.

The funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has concluded at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST); his body is now being ferried to Opoda Farm for burial.

President William Ruto reveals he personally sought the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s advice months after the 2022 elections.

"Immediately after the elections, after a few months, I met with Baba. We sat down and spoke. I told him: 'You have made a huge sacrifice for our nation. As someone who has learned from your political school, I recognise the personal and common sacrifices you have paid. I want to help correct the wrongs that have been done to you in our nation.' We agreed, and I told him that, without condition, I would do whatever he wanted, especially to ensure that the sacrifices he made and the contributions he gave to our nation are honoured, and any wrongs corrected."

Recalling Raila's ill-health, Ruto said the past one and a half months were particularly difficult.

"It was not easy because when we thought Baba was Ok, in fact, alikuwa amepigia watu wengi kuwaeleza kwamba yuko sawa, "madaktari wameniachilia nirudi baada ya miezi sita; ninapanga nije nyumbani nipumzike, nitapitia Dubai, UAE". In fact, tulikuwa tumepanga tuje on Thursday, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology for the investment conference. Lakini mambo yakabadilika, yakawa vile yalivyokuwa."

"I remember nikienda ofisini, at around 6:40 am, nikaona kwa simu yangu Oburu ameniandikia WhatsApp message akiniambia, "my brother is critically ill". Nikwamwuliza, "I thought we spoke to Baba and he was feeling Ok? Kumetokea nini?" In 10 minutes, Oburu akanipigia akaniambia inaonekana Baba ametuacha.

Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo recounts his ties to the Odinga family, reveals he attended Jaramogi Ajuma Oginga Odinga's burial in 1994.

"I was with Raila on his invitation 31 years ago when Jaramogi Oginga was buried in this place. I was the special guest of honour on that occasion. And the person who made it happen was Raila Odinga. Since that time, we have deepened our friendship, our brotherhood, and our working together for our two countries, for Africa and indeed the world. Over the years, I have come to know Raila Odinga very well. One thing you cannot take away from Raila is his passionate love for his country and Africa."

Uhuru Kenyatta bids farewell to Raila Odinga as a dear friend, thanks the Orange Democratic Movement for its steadfast commitment to his leadership and values.

"To Ida Odinga and your family, we are here to offer our condolences and to stand with you in this truly difficult moment. To the people of Bondo and Siaya at large, thank you. Your son is finally coming home to rest. Our condolences also go to all ODM members who are here today. Thank you for giving us a leader who helped unite this nation. We pray that our brother may have a peaceful journey, and may God guide him on his final path."

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recounts trip to recover Raila Odinga's body in India, says it was a tremendous honour.

"I want to confirm that the government of India gave a military helicopter to ferry Raila Odinga's remains from Kochi to Mumbai, where we got him, and was escorted by the military. We did a turnaround of two hours. Mama Ida, you have somebody strong in your daughter, Winnie. We found her, Dr Olunya and Maurice Ogeta. We draped Raila in the Kenyan flag; it was a very emotional moment."

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka speaks directly to Raila.

"We never got to Canaan. You have been to the mountain top. You have seen the promised land. But we have to get there on your behalf. The tears and pain of a stolen election will not be in vain."

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula says Raila will forever be remembered as one of the greatest sons of Kenya who sought peace and unity for Kenya.

"Vile mliketi na Baba, shikilieni hapo na sisi tushike nchi yetu tuende mbele."

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed says he is shaken by the death of Raila, who has been his political father ever since he met him way back in 2001.

"Baba alisema tukae imara kama ODM. Baba alisema tukae kwa serikali ya broad-based government."

"ODM will be in government or in a coalition that will form the government. We will not join those who insulted Baba when he was alive."

Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya says he owes all the leadership positions he has been in throughout his career to Raila.

"Raila amenifunza mambo matatu. Ya kwanza lazima uwe na wananchi. Ya pili, Raila was a very peaceful person. Ya Mwisho, aliniambia don't burn bridges, and there are no permanent enemies in politics. That is why I decided to take you to Ruto's Government."

"Tutaendelea kukaa kwa serikali ya Ruto."

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Hassan Joho shares the same sentiments as Mbadi, saying he will never betray Raila and will remain in government.

"Siezi kua mahali Raila hakunipeleka. I was taken to the Government of William Ruto by Raila Amolo Odinga, and that is where I will stay."

Joho says anyone who tries to break up ODM will be the one to go, and the party will remain.

Treasury CS John Mbadi says he owes his political life to Raila and thanks him for trusting him with leadership, and he will never betray Raila.

"You gave me a position of leadership when no one thought I could lead. You made me an assistant minister, you made me a long-serving ODM Chairperson. You made me the first Luo Finance Minister. I will not betray you, Baba."

"As a community, don't be shaken. Raila showed us before he died, we should be in government."

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said it is important that ODM remains in the broad-based government and continues the partnership with President William Ruto, sharing the advice Raila gave him.

He told me, "Support your government fully, saying he has been in many political partnerships, but has come to learn Ruto is sincere."

ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir assures ODM will play a pivotal role after the 2027 General Election.

"In 2027, we will not be in the opposition. One of two things will happen. We will either be in government or we will be the government."

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna insists it is time for the leaders to listen to the people and ensure they actualise Raila's wishes on ODM regarding the 2027 General Election, insisting that the Orange Party will be on the ballot.

"Naomba viongozi wasiongee mambo mengine na kuwekea Baba maneno. Who has told you? Msiingize maneno kwa mtu ambaye amelala, Baba alisema mwenyewe kwamba kama chama lazima tujiandae kwa ajili ya uchaguzi wa 2027."

Kenyans follow proceedings at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga requests President Ruto to rename Talanta Stadium, which is currently under construction after Raila in honour of the late former Premier.

Mama Ida Odinga cherishes the time she spent with the late former Prime Minister during their 52-year marriage.

"If I had a chance to marry him, I would marry him again. I would be happy to do it, but this time I'd marry him knowing I'm marrying a politician, not just an engineer."

"We learned one thing: that we must talk straight, forgive one another, and move on. I know most of the time you used to say Raila was more into public and political life than family life, but every time we came together, he remembered each of us."

"If you are a spouse of a politician, inherit his friends, not his enemies."

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga shares his personal tribute about Raila from their childhood, saying the former Prime Minister was a caring and principled boy.

He also describes Raila as a fearless defender of justice. From their childhood memories to Raila’s imprisonment, Oburu painted a picture of courage, compassion, and resilience.

"My best friend is gone, Goodbye, my best friend, Goodbye my confidant, Goodbye my advisor."

Oburu discloses that President William Ruto played a crucial role in organising medical treatment abroad for Raila, standing closely with the family during his illness and after his passing.

“I want to thank the President, who has stood with us since the time I told him Raila was sick. We sat down, and he is the one who organised the transport that flew Raila to India for treatment.”

Senior government officials and other dignitaries follow proceedings at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

Senior members of the Kenya Defence Forces, led by Chief of the Defence Forces of Kenya Charles Kahariri at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

The casket bearing the remains of Raila Odinga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

A military officer stands guard next to the catafalque at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ, along with Raila Odinga's family members and other dignitaries and government officials, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

Winnie Odinga and Fidel Odinga during the state burial service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga during the state burial service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

President William Ruto follows proceedings during the state burial service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

Mama Ida Odinga and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga follow proceedings during the state burial service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

Earlier, the Ugandan and DRC delegations arrived in Kisumu for the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Emily Oginga, the sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, reads the eulogy.

President William Ruto is joined by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ, along with other dignitaries and government officials.

The state burial service for Raila begins with a sermon from the Bishop Emeritus. Joseph Otieno Wasonga of the Anglican Church of Kenya.

President William Ruto arrives at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

He is accompanied by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.

The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, led by Mama Ida Odinga, arrives at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

The Interment Service will be led by the Rt. Prof. David Kodia, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bondo.

Raila's casket is escorted by the military to the catafalque amid wails by thousands of mourners at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

Raila's funeral procession arrives at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds from Opoda Farm.

The hearse bearing the remains of Raila leaves the Opoda Farm for the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledges the cooperation between the security sector and Kenyans, which he says has been crucial for the success of the State Funeral of Raila from Thursday to Sunday.

"Despite the challenges, our security agencies worked seamlessly under difficult conditions. The cooperation between the military, police, and citizens ensured a smooth and dignified farewell to a great leader."

Heavy security personnel are present at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds to ensure order ahead of the state burial ceremony for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The stage is set at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, where thousands are already seated ahead of the state burial, interment and final resting ceremony for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.