Raila Odinga receives 17-gun salute as country bids farewell to ‘the enigma of Kenyan politics’

The casket carrying Raila Odinga's body was gently lowered into the six-foot grave. (PCS)

By Lucy & Maureen
Sunday, October 19, 2025

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.

The late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga was on Sunday accorded a 17-gun salute as Kenya bade farewell to one of its most influential political figures in a solemn military ceremony at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

The quiet of the funeral grounds was broken only by the sharp, rhythmic cracks of artillery fire, a ceremonial tribute befitting a leader who played a defining role in Kenya’s political landscape.

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Seventeen gunshots, fired in deliberate intervals by the Kenya Defence Forces, echoed across the grounds, signalling the country’s respect and recognition for Raila’s decades of public service.

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.

Raila Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, after collapsing during a morning jog. He had been receiving treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease and had recently been recuperating at an Ayurvedic wellness centre following a mild stroke.

As the final artillery shots faded, mourners, dignitaries, and family members stood in solemn silence, honouring a leader whose commitment to national unity and democracy defined his life. Each round fired was a symbolic acknowledgement of Raila’s enduring impact on Kenya.

At 4:45 pm, the Kenya Defence Forces began a slow march, carrying the casket to the gravesite. The national flag that draped the casket was carefully removed before members of the clergy approached to whisper prayers, dedicating Raila’s soul to God.

By 4:52 pm, the casket was gently lowered into the six-foot grave, with the clergy, family, and leaders observing complete silence. A military hymn played as the casket descended, while the armed forces performed a full salute. Resting atop the casket were Raila’s white Panama hat and his iconic flying whisk, personal symbols of the late leader.

The Kenya Navy conducted the 17-gun salute, adding a solemn maritime touch to the ceremony. Raila’s son, Raila Odinga Jr., approached the gravesite holding his own son, bowing in respect to his father one final time. The congregation observed a minute of silence to reflect on Raila’s life and legacy, followed by the sounding of the Reveille and another prayer from the clergy.

At precisely 5 pm, the clergy initiated the ritual of returning the body to the earth by throwing soil into the grave, a poignant conclusion to the funeral ceremony. The day encapsulated both national mourning and a celebration of a life devoted to service, unity, and leadership.

At 5:02 pm, Raila’s family, led by Ida Odinga and children Winnie, Raila Junior, and Rosemary, proceeded to the gravesite and threw the soil into the grave.

President William Ruto, his deputy Kithure Kindiki, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta then approached to pay their final respects.

Raila’s bodyguard was next, followed by other leaders, including ODM members, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, and additional dignitaries.

After the soil was thrown, the ceremony continued with the laying of wreaths, beginning with the clergy, then the immediate family, followed by the presidency and other leaders in attendance.