Raila

He said he personally reached out to Raila and assured him that he wanted to correct the injustices he had endured in his long political career.

Speaking during a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ida emphasised the need for leaders to serve the nation rather than enrich themselves.

Ruto reflected on their long journey through Kenya’s political arena, recalling the 2022 elections, which he described as a contest between teacher and student.

Hundreds of mourners surged past police and military officers to pay their final respects, carrying twigs, portraits and flags bearing Raila’s image.

The President said he was on his way to his office around 6:40 am on Wednesday when a WhatsApp message arrived from Raila’s elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga.

The President described ODM as a party with deep national roots and a rich history of struggle for justice and reform. He emphasised that its founder, Raila Odinga, played a central role in shaping Kenya’s democratic journey.

Ruto disclosed that Raila sought treatment from several medical facilities around the world before ultimately going to India, where he died.

The 17-gun salute, a distinguished military honour, is traditionally reserved for Deputy Presidents, Chief Justices, Speakers of the National Assembly, Cabinet Secretaries, and, in exceptional cases, former leaders whose contributions have left a lasting mark on national governance.

He repeatedly honoured Raila, affectionately calling him “Jakom,” and acknowledged the former prime minister’s insights, thoughtfulness and leadership.

Winnie’s political career began in late 2022 when she was elected to represent Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly, following her election by both the National Assembly and Senate on November 17, 2022.

He noted that Raila’s optimism and his ability to see hope even in tough moments made him admired across the continent. The former Nigerian president described him as a leader who consistently inspired unity and hope wherever he went.

Orengo further reaffirmed the importance of ODM and its ideology, stressing that the party must be preserved and its founding principles upheld. He condemned those promoting division and tribalism, urging members and leaders to work together to maintain the party’s cohesion.

Joho, a long-time ODM member, said the values and principles of the party, instilled in him by Raila, must continue to guide members.

Reflecting on Raila’s political impact, the governor revisited the 2005 constitutional referendum, which he described as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s democratic history.

Edwin Sifuna cautioned party leaders against distorting Raila’s message or misrepresenting his position on ODM’s future, saying his last instructions were clear.

Senator Oburu said the officers had shown unwavering loyalty, standing by Raila through illness and political challenges, and deserved recognition for their commitment.

Ida said she had chosen to face the moment with courage and faith, declaring, “With pain, without lamentation, I accept the will of God”.

The Senator said Ruto maintained constant communication with the family during Raila’s hospitalisation, regularly checking on his condition and offering words of comfort.

Addressing mourners on Sunday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Ruth recalled her brother’s final instructions, highlighting the need for a cohesive and inclusive party.

Ruth Odinga said her brother’s entire life was dedicated to fighting for justice, freedom, and a better Kenya.

Speaking during the burial ceremony in Bondo, Siaya County, Junior said his father’s life was one of purpose, love, and service to others.

Kodia reflected on Raila’s connection to his local parish, St Peter’s Church Nyamira, saying the late leader was a devoted member of both the parish and the Bondo Diocese.

A long-time friend of the Odinga family, Olusegun Obasanjo joined President William Ruto, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and several regional leaders to pay their final respects.

For Belafonte, music was never just melody. It was a vessel. A bridge.

Raila Odinga’s death has been described as the closing of a chapter in Kenya’s political history marked by resilience, conviction, and unrelenting belief in a better Kenya.

The interment service is being held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, followed by committal, final prayers, and military honours at the gravesite at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.

CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the situation could have escalated into tragedy had the officers responded with force, noting that the operation required patience, coordination, and calm judgment under pressure.

Murkomen said the limit is necessary due to the size of the homestead and to allow the family a solemn and respectful farewell.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers, saying the day will also serve as a tribute to the fallen statesman.

Sunday’s ceremony would begin with a church service conducted by the Anglican Church of Kenya before the military takes over for final state burial honours at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Nyamira village.

From his famous chants to his love for football, Raila used culture as a language of leadership, leaving behind an imprint that will live on for generations.

Ruth, who is also the Kisumu Woman Representative, confirmed that Raila was optimistic about coming back home the next day. She said he had been in high spirits and showed remarkable recovery during his final days in India.

The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was regarded by many as a symbol of hope, resilience, and liberation in his Nyanza bastion.

The attack occurred on September 29, 2014, during an Okoa Kenya rally in Kinango, organised by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), which was advocating for a proposed constitutional referendum.

Obama also recognised Raila’s wider influence, emphasising that his life served as a model not only for Kenyans but for people across Africa and the world.

Kindiki emphasised that while Sunday’s burial marks the culmination of official mourning ceremonies, the National State Funeral Committee will provide further information about events and activities to honour Raila in the days following the interment.

Governor Orengo had earlier urged the public and the community to maintain peace during the mourning period, saying that the body would be brought to Bondo for the family and close relatives.

Collins Omondi, however, clarified that his motivation was not commercial gain, but rather to pay tribute to Raila Odinga - a man he admired deeply and viewed as a towering figure in Kenya’s history.

Security around the farm had been heightened, with military personnel and police officers deployed to manage the large crowd and ensure order.

While authorities opted for airlifting to ensure timely arrival and minimise logistical challenges, some residents wanted the body to be transported by road, as originally planned by the government.

Speaking during a press briefing at the family’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, Mama Ida expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming messages of condolence she has received from Kenyans and the international community.

At the Mentoria Fireside Chat, which reviewed several India-Kenya political and development-economic factors, the panellists acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tribute to Raila.

Jidah Baraka died from a gunshot after police fired at mourners in an attempt to bring order inside the stadium ahead of the exercise on Thursday.

Having self-identified as a revolutionary, Odinga later proved to be committed to institutional reform and democratisation. His greatest legacy is the 2010 constitution, which attempted to devolve power away from the “imperial presidency”, which he campaigned for over many years.

Security teams from the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service have been stationed across Kisumu and Siaya to ensure the smooth coordination of the remaining events.

First introduced in 1978 during the state funeral of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta, the tradition has since become a permanent part of Kenya’s state funeral protocol.

The crowd, waving Kenyan flags and holding white handkerchiefs and twigs, erupted into tears and song as the military aircraft carrying Raila’s remains touched down at the stadium.

In Luo tradition, twigs—known as yien—serve as powerful symbols of protection and continuity.

Escorted by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and clergy, the casket was transferred from the hearse to a military wheel carrier before being loaded onto a Kenya Air Force aircraft.