The rural home of Raila Odinga was transformed into a scene of extraordinary emotion and security on October 19, 2025, as Kenya bid farewell to its former prime minister. The funeral, held under the watchful eyes of security forces, followed a week of national mourning marked by both deep sorrow and tragic violence, underscoring the powerful hold Odinga had over the nation’s collective heart.
Odinga, who passed away at age 80 on October 15 in India from a suspected heart attack, was no ordinary politician. Known affectionately as "Baba" (father) by millions, his death triggered an outpouring of grief that swept across Kenya and rippled throughout Africa, according to The Independent and multiple international outlets. The days leading up to his burial were punctuated by massive public gatherings, candlelit vigils, and spontaneous celebrations of his life—yet also by deadly chaos that left five people dead and hundreds injured.
The funeral itself was a grand affair, blending full military honors with traditional rites. Odinga was laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president and a towering figure in the nation’s fight for independence. The symbolism was unmistakable: two generations of political struggle, united in death as they had been in life.
Thousands of mourners, dignitaries from across Africa, and a phalanx of Kenyan officials made the journey to Odinga’s rural home for the final interment. The crowd was a testament to Odinga’s stature as a democracy champion and, as former African Union Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha put it, a "selfless pan-Africanist." Mwencha told The Independent, "I see him as one of those who fought for the second liberation," a reference to Odinga’s decades-long push for democratic reforms in Kenya and beyond.
The days preceding the funeral were nothing short of dramatic. On Thursday, October 16, Odinga’s body was received by thousands in Nairobi, initiating a series of public viewing events that drew even larger crowds. The capital’s stadiums became sites of both reverence and tragedy. According to reports from Kisumu and Nairobi, security forces opened fire on October 16 to disperse a surging crowd at a stadium where Odinga’s body lay in state, killing at least three people. The following day, during the official state funeral led by President William Ruto, another stampede broke out, resulting in at least two more deaths and dozens of injuries.
Despite these tragedies, the scale of public mourning was unprecedented. Four separate public viewings from October 16 to October 18 attracted tens of thousands, with mourners braving long lines and pushing through packed stadiums for a final glimpse of the man they called "Baba." The violence, while shocking, seemed almost a tragic testament to the depth of feeling Odinga inspired. As The Independent reported, the stampedes and chaos reflected not only the logistical challenges of managing such crowds but also the raw, unfiltered grief of a nation losing one of its most prominent leaders.
Odinga’s influence was not confined to Kenya. In the days after his death, dozens of world leaders sent messages of condolence, hailing his statesmanship and his role in mediating political impasses across Africa. He had even thrown his hat into the ring for the African Union chairperson position, though unsuccessfully. Yet, as Mwencha noted, Odinga’s impact was continental—he was a symbol of the ongoing struggle for democracy in Africa, a struggle that remains unfinished in many nations.
Back in Kenya, Odinga’s political journey was marked by both frustration and triumph. Despite running for president five times without success, he nonetheless shaped the nation’s politics in profound ways. His ability to broker peace and political agreements was legendary. After the contentious elections and anti-government protests that rocked Kenya in early 2025, it was Odinga who entered into a political pact with President Ruto in March, helping to calm tensions and "steady the country," as Ruto himself acknowledged on October 17.
Odinga’s legacy also includes his pivotal role in the 2010 constitutional review while serving as prime minister. That process, widely credited with strengthening Kenya’s democratic institutions, remains one of his most enduring achievements. His advocacy for reform and his willingness to mediate during times of crisis earned him respect even among political rivals.
While the capital Nairobi bore witness to much of the official mourning, it was in Kisumu—Odinga’s political heartland in western Kenya—where the emotional intensity reached its zenith. On the morning of October 19, vast crowds gathered for what was expected to be the largest day of mourning. The city’s streets were lined with candles, and the air was filled with the sound of vuvuzela horns and spontaneous dancing. As The Independent and other outlets described, the scene was both festive and somber, a fitting tribute to a man who had become a symbol of hope for many Kenyans.
Yet, the specter of violence hung over the proceedings. Many feared that the massive crowds in Kisumu could spark further chaos, given the deadly incidents earlier in the week. Local authorities responded with heavy security, determined to ensure that Odinga’s final journey would not be marred by more bloodshed.
Odinga’s passing has prompted a national reckoning with both his achievements and the unfinished business of Kenyan democracy. For some, his inability to win the presidency despite five attempts is a reminder of the country’s deeply entrenched political divisions. For others, his willingness to compromise and build bridges—even with former adversaries—stands as a model of statesmanship in a region often riven by conflict.
His family, including his wife Ida and children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie, have been at the center of the mourning rituals. Their public appearances have been met with waves of sympathy, and their loss is shared by millions who saw Odinga not just as a politician, but as a father figure and a champion of their aspirations.
As Kenya laid Raila Odinga to rest, the nation paused to reflect on a life that was as tumultuous as it was inspiring. The week’s events—by turns jubilant, chaotic, and tragic—spoke to the complexity of Odinga’s legacy. In the end, he was remembered not for the offices he held or the elections he lost, but for the hope he gave his people and the indelible mark he left on Kenya’s political landscape.