Song and dance fill JOOUST grounds as thousands of mourners gather for Raila Odinga’s State Burial
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.
Mourners broke into song and dance early Sunday morning at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds as final preparations got underway for the state burial ceremony of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Thousands of Kenyans from across the country gathered on the university grounds, where the funeral service is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am and conclude at 1:00 pm. Some mourners reportedly spent the night at the venue to secure space for the historic farewell of the veteran politician.
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Military and police officers were seen working around the clock to ensure the venue was ready ahead of the arrival of Raila’s body. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Military Police took joint charge of the final preparations, including setting up the catafalque,
Military officers finalise setting up the catafalque, where Raila's body will be placed during the state burial service. pic.twitter.com/2Sb0nYKDom
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 19, 2025
KDF officers, dressed in full ceremonial attire of maroon tunics, hats and black trousers with red stripes, coordinated with Military Police to maintain order and security. The mood at the venue was a mix of grief and celebration, with ODM supporters donning orange outfits and waving Kenyan flags in honour of their fallen leader.
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Raymond Omollo, 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, where Raila will be laid to rest beside his parents, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Odinga.
“We will have the final burial ceremony at JOOUST grounds. We have everything ready. The body will have an overnight stay at Opoda Farm,” the CS said on Saturday.
“The service will begin at 9:00 am to be conducted by the Anglican Church; thereafter, the military will take over for the final bit of the ceremony, according to the regulations of a state burial.”
Raila died on October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest in India, where he had been receiving treatment.
His passing has triggered one of the largest national outpourings of grief in Kenya’s history.
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