In a moment of profound national significance, Kenya bid farewell to one of its most influential political figures, Raila Odinga, on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The former prime minister and tireless democracy advocate was laid to rest at his rural home in the west of the country, concluding a week of emotional memorials that drew thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across Africa. The outpouring of grief and respect, however, was matched by a sense of uncertainty about Kenya’s political future—a testament to Odinga’s enduring impact on the nation’s turbulent political landscape.
Odinga’s burial, attended by throngs of supporters, senior politicians, and international guests, was marked by full military honors. The Kenya Army paid tribute with a 17-gun salute, and his coffin, draped in the national flag, was carried with solemn ceremony. Odinga was interred beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president and a revered independence fighter, at the family mausoleum in Bondo. The symbolism of this final resting place—two generations of political giants side by side—was not lost on those present.
Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in an Indian hospital, was memorialized as a “selfless pan-Africanist” and a “true champion of democracy.” His son, Raila Odinga Junior, stood by the casket and declared, “Now finally Baba is home.” The emotional weight of the moment was echoed by mourners who, according to AFP, described Odinga as their enduring hero. “Even in the grave, he still remains our hero,” one mourner said, capturing the sense of loss felt by many Kenyans.
The week leading to Odinga’s burial was marked by four public viewing events, including a state funeral in Nairobi and a massive gathering in Kisumu. The scale of public mourning was extraordinary: tens of thousands filed past his open coffin, many openly weeping and crying out, “we are orphans.” Yet the intensity of the crowds led to tragedy—five people lost their lives and hundreds were injured in stampedes and chaotic scenes as mourners breached security cordons to pay their final respects. At one viewing, police opened fire to disperse crowds, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries, as reported by BBC.
Odinga’s legacy is complex and far-reaching. He ran for president five times, each campaign galvanizing supporters but ending in defeat. Despite never holding the highest office, Odinga’s influence was undeniable. He served as prime minister following the bloody and disputed 2007 election, a role he took on after a power-sharing deal intended to calm post-election violence. Over the decades, he entered into political agreements with three of Kenya’s five presidents, often acting as a bridge during moments of national crisis.
President William Ruto, who attended the burial and spoke movingly of his mentor, highlighted Odinga’s pivotal role in stabilizing Kenya’s often volatile politics. “His courage, his vision, and his unyielding faith in our collective destiny will forever illuminate the path of our nation,” Ruto said in a Facebook post. During the ceremony, Ruto added, “I am very proud today that Raila Amolo Odinga is being rested when one of his own students—a man he has mentored—is today the president of Kenya.”
The relationship between Ruto and Odinga had evolved significantly in recent years. Earlier in 2025, the two leaders signed a political pact after months of anti-government protests that saw young Kenyans storm and burn parts of parliament buildings. The agreement, which brought opposition members into government as ministers, was credited with helping “steady the country,” according to Ruto. At the burial, Ruto pledged to honor this pact and emphasized the importance of unity within Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, suggesting it could either form or join the next government after the 2027 election.
Yet, unity within the ODM party was not a foregone conclusion. Party officials were divided in their tributes, with some expressing their commitment to the pact with the government, while others hinted at a reluctance to work with political rivals who had once used tear gas against Odinga during opposition protests. The debate reflected broader questions about Kenya’s political direction in the wake of Odinga’s passing.
Odinga’s impact extended well beyond Kenya’s borders. He was widely regarded as a pan-African statesman, having mediated political impasses across the continent and run—albeit unsuccessfully—for the position of African Union chairperson. Erastus Mwencha, former AU Deputy Chairperson, praised Odinga’s influence, stating, “I see him as one of those who fought for the second liberation,” a reference to the struggle for deeper democracy in Africa. Mwencha noted that many African countries are still grappling with the challenges of democratization, underscoring Odinga’s continental stature.
As prime minister in 2010, Odinga played a critical role in the constitutional review that reshaped Kenya’s governance structures. His efforts in this area, alongside his relentless advocacy for justice and democracy, earned him accolades from world leaders. Former US President Barack Obama, whose family hails from the same region as Odinga, called him a “true champion of democracy.” Since his death, tributes have poured in from across the globe, hailing his statesmanship and vision.
The scale and emotion of Odinga’s funeral events revealed the depth of his connection with ordinary Kenyans. Despite his defeats at the ballot box, he retained a vast and loyal following, particularly in western Kenya, where his political roots ran deep. The scenes of wailing mourners breaching security barriers to reach the burial site—initially reserved for family and leaders—spoke volumes about the sense of collective loss.
Odinga’s survivors include his wife, Ida, and children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie. As Kenya moves forward, the memory of his leadership—and the political uncertainty left in his wake—will continue to shape the nation’s path. The coming years will test the strength of the political alliances forged in his name and the resilience of the democratic ideals he championed.
For now, Kenya pauses to reflect on the legacy of a man whose life was defined by struggle, resilience, and hope for a more just and united nation.
