Raila Odinga to be laid to rest next to his father in private family burial, says brother Oburu

Mama Ida Odinga solemnly views the body of her late husband, Raila Odinga, as he lies in state at Kasarani Stadium. (Photo: PCS)

By Lucy Mumbi
Thursday, October 16, 2025

The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and ODM party leader will be honoured in a private family burial next to his father, following a series of national mourning events.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be laid to rest next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, in a private family ceremony, his brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, has disclosed.

On Thursday, Oburu, Raila’s elder brother, together with clergy, family members, and friends, identified the exact spot where the former Prime Minister will be buried.

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The chosen site is next to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s mausoleum.

After Oburu marked the location, the clergy offered a prayer, followed by a symbolic initial digging of the grave.

Earlier, the team had visited the graves of other family members in the compound, including that of Raila’s mother, Mary Ajumma Odinga, who passed away in 1984 while Raila was detained without trial by the late President Daniel arap Moi’s regime.

Friends and family revealed that it had been Odinga’s wish to be buried in the family compound, particularly next to his mother. However, the team settled on a site next to Jaramogi’s mausoleum, which provides enough space to later construct Odinga’s own mausoleum.

Speaking on Thursday, Oburu said only close relatives will attend the intimate burial, which will follow an official ceremony honouring Raila’s legacy as a “dignified son of the land.”

“We will give Raila a dignified send-off, which he deserves, as a dignified son of this land. The programme will end with a burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and then later on, Raila will be buried next to our mum and dad… in a private burial (ceremony) which will be attended only by a few people,” he said.

The announcement came amid scenes of grief and disbelief as Oburu recounted Raila’s final moments before he died in India.

President William Ruto, Senator Oburu Odinga and Ida Odinga at JKIA. (Photo: PCS)

“When it happened, they were walking together with Winnie. She saw everything. They rushed him to the ICU, but God had His own plans. Raila is gone,” Oburu said, his voice breaking with emotion.

The Siaya Senator revealed that the former Prime Minister had been in stable condition before the tragedy.

“We are saddened. Let us not make noise. We had said that he was sick, and that is the truth. He was okay, but when he left in the morning for his walk and exercise, something happened and hit him. Shetani ashindwe,” he said.

Oburu confirmed that Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, and his sister, Ruth Odinga, were by his side during the emergency.

“Ruth and Winnie were with him when it happened. We thank God for the time He gave us with him,” he said.

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Appealing for calm and unity, Oburu urged Kenyans to mourn peacefully and honour Raila’s memory with dignity.

“My plea is that we escort Raila and give him a befitting burial. We must show outsiders that we know how to honour our son. I don’t want chaos; in most cases, we also have robbers among us,” he said.

He proposed forming a small committee to oversee funeral plans, including preparations at the family home.

“Let us form a committee to go to Jaramogi’s place and prepare where he will be laid to rest. We shall sit, discuss, and plan depending on the programme. For now, we can announce the death of Raila,” he said.

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. He says his brother Raila Odinga will be given a dignified send-off in a private family burial next to their parents, attended only by close relatives. (Photo: Handout)

Earlier during the day, chaos erupted at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, after police fired teargas to disperse mourners attempting to access restricted sections during the public viewing of Raila’s body.

Security officers were seen chasing and beating mourners as they tried to control the swelling crowd. Despite the heavy police presence, thousands continued to pour into the stadium to pay their last respects.

The confrontation unfolded moments before the arrival of Raila’s body, intensifying emotions among supporters. Some mourners choked on teargas while others ran for safety.

The state funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu, announced that a national funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, attended by local and international dignitaries.

After the service, the body will be taken to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight stay before departing for Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, for a public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo. From there, it will travel by road to Bondo for another overnight stay.

The burial, following Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) traditions, is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at the Odinga family’s Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County.

Oburu’s arrival in Bondo on Thursday marked an important cultural milestone. As the eldest son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he formally announced Raila’s death to the clan and community—a customary role that would have been performed by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, who was unable to travel at the time.

Upon arrival, Oburu met with elders, relatives, and community leaders to brief them on the national funeral arrangements and coordinate local preparations. Church leaders from the Anglican Diocese of Bondo also attended, as the church will preside over the burial rites.

“I have come here to be with my people and to appeal to them to be peaceful and give Raila a dignified send-off that he deserves,” Oburu said.

According to Luo customs, Raila’s home remained closed since his passing and was only opened to mourners after Oburu’s official announcement. Preparations, including grave selection and digging, commenced immediately after the briefing.

Raila’s body arrived in Nairobi on Thursday at 8:30 am aboard a flight from Mumbai, India, where he had been receiving treatment before suffering cardiac arrest. President William Ruto led top government officials in receiving the body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The solemn occasion was briefly disrupted when a crowd of mourners breached restricted airport sections, temporarily suspending operations for about two hours.

The public viewing, initially planned for Parliament Buildings, was shifted to Kasarani due to the massive turnout of mourners.