Raila Odinga State Funeral Stories

ODM to hold 20th anniversary celebrations in November as tribute to Raila - Governor Abdulswamad
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 21, 2025

He emphasised that the anniversary would celebrate both the party’s milestone and the late leader’s enduring legacy.

Ruto honours Raila posthumously with Kenya’s highest civilian award, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH)
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 20, 2025

Ruto hailed Raila as one of the principal architects of Kenya’s modern democratic order whose contribution will remain engraved in the country’s histo...

Widow of Zimbabwe’s Tsvangirai attends Raila’s burial in Bondo, honouring decades of iconic friendship, opposition alliance
Mwangi Maina  |  Oct 20, 2025

Elizabeth Macheka Tsvangirai joined mourners at Opoda Farm, where she spoke fondly of the enduring friendship between the two opposition icons who sha...

Live blog: Kenyans celebrate Mashujaa Day in Kitui
Dennis Tarus  |  Oct 20, 2025

The National Heroes Council chairman, Charles Wambia, said 184 individuals will be awarded in 14 heroic categories.

Ruto: I reached out to Raila after 2022 elections to right historical injustices
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 19, 2025

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.

Mudavadi recounts emotional journey bringing Raila’s body home from India
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 19, 2025

Mudavadi recounted how, on October 15, hours after Raila passed away, he boarded a Kenya Airways flight to India with government officials to join Rai...

CS Joho: Those who try to break ODM will be the ones to leave
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 19, 2025

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

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...

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...

Northern Kenya mourns Raila, remembers his legacy of inclusion and justice
Issa Hussein  |  Oct 18, 2025

During his term as Prime Minister, Raila was instrumental in establishing the Ministry of Northern Kenya, a bold step aimed at addressing longstanding...

Raila Odinga's funeral service to begin at 9:00 am on Sunday at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Oct 18, 2025

Kindiki emphasised that while Sunday’s burial marks the culmination of official mourning ceremonies, the National State Funeral Committee will provide...

Ruth Odinga recalls heartbreaking moment when she had to switch off Raila’s life-support machine in India
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 18, 2025

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 hi...

How crowds gathered at Raila’s Opoda Farm to pay last respects
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Oct 18, 2025

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

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...

Live blog: Raila's body arrives in Bondo ahead of Sunday burial
Dennis Tarus  |  Oct 18, 2025

Emotions ran high, and wails filled the air as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived at the Mamboleo grounds in Kisumu for public vie...

Barack Obama hails Raila Odinga as a champion of democracy in heartfelt tribute
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 18, 2025

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 w...

Governor Orengo announces special vigil site for Raila Odinga mourners in Bondo
Lucy Mumbi  |  Oct 17, 2025

The governor called on Kenyans, particularly those in Nyanza, to exercise patience and maintain peace during the mourning period, assuring that both t...

Mama Ida Odinga reflects on 52-years of marriage with Raila Odinga at State Funeral
Rachael Mutabasi  |  Oct 17, 2025

Addressing a sombre crowd at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, Mama Ida recounted meeting Raila in the early 1970s and marrying him in 1973, beginning a partne...

‘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...

‘The spirit of the lion roars on’ - Winnie Odinga's emotional farewell to Raila
Winnie Odinga  |  Oct 17, 2025

"The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025, but the Spirit of the Lion roars on forever. The King is dead, but long live the crown!"

Raila Jr: ‘Dad was my hero, thank you for your name and your love’
Raila Junior  |  Oct 17, 2025

"Dad, I want to assure you that I will take care of our family — Mum, Rosie, Winnie — and the larger political family you have left behind. Ero kamano...

‘You were my confidant and compass’: Rosemary’s emotional tribute to Raila
Rosemary Odinga  |  Oct 17, 2025

"Baba, you taught me to sharpen my own ideas, to think deeply, to question, to stand for what I believe in even when it’s not easy."

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...

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.

Flight fares soar on Nairobi-Kisumu route ahead of Raila Odinga’s burial
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 17, 2025

An assessment of major airlines shows that one-way tickets between Nairobi and Kisumu are now going for between Sh18,000 and Sh23,000 from Friday to S...

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