Governor Orengo announces special vigil site for Raila Odinga mourners in Bondo

Siaya Governor James Orengo has revealed that arrangements had been made for a vigil outside the Raila Odinga's family compound. (X/James Orengo)

By Lucy Mumbi
Friday, October 17, 2025

The governor called on Kenyans, particularly those in Nyanza, to exercise patience and maintain peace during the mourning period, assuring that both the national and county committees were working closely to ensure a dignified farewell for the former Prime Minister.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has revealed that arrangements had been made for a vigil outside the Raila Odinga's family compound to accommodate thousands of mourners, in order to give the family space to mourn privately.

Addressing the media on Friday, the governor said the family needed people during this period.

More To Read

“We need to give the family a little peace. There is a special area adjacent to the home that has been set aside to host between 3,000 and 5,000 people. As the family prepares for the last journey on Monday, they can have the peace and time they need,” he said.

He appealed for calm and unity among Kenyans as preparations intensify for the burial of Raila in Bondo on Sunday, saying the late ODM leader’s final send-off should reflect the values of peace and patriotism that he stood for.

He described Raila’s death as a deep tragedy for the nation and for him personally, saying he was a great statesman whose legacy would live on for generations.

“It is indeed a tragedy for us. I never believed that such a day would come when we would not have Raila among us. Kenya has lost one of her most consequential sons and patriots. In fact, I can say without fear of contradiction that Raila Amolo Odinga is the greatest Kenyan that ever lived,” he said.

The governor called on Kenyans, particularly those in Nyanza, to exercise patience and maintain peace during the mourning period, assuring that both the national and county committees were working closely to ensure a dignified farewell for the former Prime Minister.

“For that reason, I appeal to our people in the entire Republic and in Nyanza to give us time and faith to organise a distinguished send-off for our son and leader,” he said.

“As you know, through the State and the President of the Republic of Kenya, there was a proclamation to give Raila a state funeral, and for that reason, we are going to have guests from all over the world here in Bondo. The final journey ends here in Bondo.”

Orengo noted that the local funeral committee in Siaya, was fully engaged in coordination with the national government to ensure that all logistics were in place ahead of Sunday’s burial.

“Many people are involved to make sure that the arrangements go on as planned. I know and trust our people that the send-off will be distinguished, stately, and befitting of a leader who was loved by his people,” he said.

He acknowledged that the short period available to prepare for the state funeral posed challenges but expressed confidence that all stakeholders were working tirelessly to deliver a successful event.

“The time we have had to organise this send-off, just over 72 hours, can never really be enough. We are likely to have hiccups, but I hope all the stakeholders, particularly the national government and our county team, will do all that is possible to make sure everything is ready for the funeral on Sunday,” Orengo said.

He described Raila as an irreplaceable figure whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy, social justice and reform would never be forgotten.

“It may take ages for us to produce somebody like Raila; a fighter, a revolutionary, a democrat and a champion for social justice and prosperity in our land. He deserves the best and he deserves a hero’s send-off,” Orengo said.