Raila Odinga  health Stories

Harry Belafonte’s “Jamaica Farewell” echoes in Raila Odinga’s final journey
Mukurima Muriuki  |  Oct 19, 2025

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

Watch: Raila Odinga's farewell in Bondo
Dennis Tarus  |  Oct 19, 2025

The interment service is being held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, followed by committal, final...

Only around 500 mourners will be allowed at Raila’s gravesite for final burial rites - Murkomen
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 19, 2025

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

Song and dance fill JOOUST grounds as thousands of mourners gather for Raila Odinga’s State Burial
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 19, 2025

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 ho...

10 hallmarks that defined Raila Odinga’s iconic life
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 19, 2025

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 gener...

Emotional scenes at Mamboleo grounds as Kisumu bids goodbye to Raila Odinga
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 18, 2025

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

The significance of twigs which have become a symbol of national mourning for Raila Odinga
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 18, 2025

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

Raila Odinga’s last journey as body airlifted to Kisumu aboard military aircraft for final send-off
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 18, 2025

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

‘Serving Jakom was a privilege and an education in leadership’ - Raila's bodyguard Maurice Ogeta
Maurice Ogeta  |  Oct 17, 2025

"From the opportunity you entrusted to me as your Personal Aide for close to 18 years, I confess I know no other human being on the African continent...

Oburu Oginga: ‘Raila was my brother, confidant and irreplaceable friend’
Oburu Oginga  |  Oct 17, 2025

"We grew up as the closest friends in the family — a bond forged in laughter, in shared secrets and in countless memories."

Ida Odinga’s heartfelt tribute to Raila: ‘Farewell, my love, you are forever in my heart’
Ida Odinga  |  Oct 17, 2025

For over five decades, you weren’t just my husband — you were my partner, my confidant, my greatest supporter. I had dreamed of retiring together, of...

"I have lost a friend, a brother and a patriot", Uhuru pays emotional tribute to Raila
Uhuru Kenyatta  |  Oct 17, 2025

To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators...

Nyayo Stadium under tight security as thousands gather for Raila Odinga’s State Funeral service
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 17, 2025

The government deployed a massive security team of about 10,000 officers to maintain order and ensure the event proceeded smoothly.

Watch: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's State Funeral Service at Nyayo Stadium
Dennis Tarus  |  Oct 17, 2025

According to the National Committee for the State Funeral of Raila Odinga, the ceremony will feature full military honours, a church sermon led by the...

Raila’s body lies in state at Parliament ahead of State Funeral service
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 17, 2025

The move allows leaders, legislators, diplomats, and citizens who were unable to pay their last respects earlier to do so in an atmosphere of dignity...

The cultural significance of Oburu Odinga's Thursday visit to Raila's rural home
Barack Oduor  |  Oct 16, 2025

Speaking in Dholuo while surrounded by close family members, Oburu emotionally explained the circumstances under which Raila died to his Sakwa Kowak c...

Raila Odinga’s Kisumu public viewing moved to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo amid security concerns
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 16, 2025

Authorities said the decision to move the viewing was informed by the need to ensure safety and smooth coordination, following chaotic scenes witnesse...

KCSE rehearsals to continue on Friday despite national holiday to honour Raila Odinga
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 16, 2025

Senior officials at the Ministry of Education confirmed on Thursday that the exercise will not be postponed, saying any alteration would interfere wit...

Police lob teargas to disperse surging crowds at Kasarani Stadium
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 16, 2025

The chaotic scenes unfolded as some mourners reportedly attempted to force their way into the VIP section of the 60,000-capacity stadium, prompting of...

Normal operations resume at JKIA after security breach during arrival of Raila’s body
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 16, 2025

Travellers who had flights affected during the closure have been advised to reach out to their airlines for updated schedules and necessary arrangemen...

Raila honoured with cultural "Tero Buru" ritual at Opoda homestead
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 16, 2025

Elders led a solemn procession, driving a bull around the family compound, a practice that symbolises guiding the spirit of the deceased on their fina...

India's first diplomatic note that informed Kenya of Raila’s death
Mwangi Maina  |  Oct 16, 2025

The document seen exclusively by The Eastleigh Voice stated that he had been undergoing Ayurveda wellness treatment at Sreedhareeyam Hospital, Kerala,...

JKIA operations suspended after security breach during arrival of Raila Odinga’s body
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Oct 16, 2025

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said that the suspension was a precautionary measure after a large crowd of mourners gained access to restri...

Kenya’s State Funerals: Highest national honour, tradition, presidential discretion, and calls for legal reform
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 16, 2025

Presidential funerals are accompanied by full military honours, while those accorded to other leaders or heroes depend on Defence Council approval and...

Chaos erupts at JKIA as mourners overwhelm security during arrival of Raila Odinga’s body
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 16, 2025

Security personnel were briefly overwhelmed when the crowd forced its way through the VIP gates moments after the Kenya Airways plane bearing the rema...

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to be buried on Sunday, family wishes to be honoured - DP Kindiki
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 15, 2025

Kindiki said the funeral plans will respect the late leader’s wishes, who had indicated he wanted to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.

Devamatha Hospital cardiologist: Raila Odinga battled underlying health conditions before death
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 15, 2025

According to Cardiologist Dr Sister Alphons, Odinga’s condition worsened after he collapsed during a morning walk and could not be revived despite ext...

FKF suspends all leagues for seven days following Raila Odinga’s death
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Oct 15, 2025

The suspension affects matches in the FKF Premier League, the FKF National Super League and the FKF Women's Premier League.

National Assembly to hold special sitting Thursday to honour Raila Odinga, MPs urged to wear black
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 15, 2025

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the sittings will provide Members of Parliament an opportunity to honour the life and legacy of the veteran opposition l...

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