Thousands of Kenyans gathered in the western town of Bondo on Sunday, October 19, 2025, to bid a final farewell to Raila Odinga, the iconic opposition leader, democracy reformer, and former prime minister whose influence shaped Kenyan politics for decades. The somber ceremony, held near his family home by the shores of Lake Victoria, marked the end of a week of national mourning — a week that saw both heartfelt tributes and tragic chaos as crowds surged to pay their respects.
Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba” (meaning “father” in Swahili), died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India, where he was receiving medical treatment. He was 80 years old. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through Kenya and across Africa, with an outpouring of grief that quickly turned tumultuous. According to StratNews Global and OkayAfrica, at least five people lost their lives and hundreds were injured in stampedes and clashes with police during public viewings of Odinga’s body in Nairobi, Kisumu, and other cities.
Despite these earlier tragedies, Sunday’s Anglican funeral service and burial proceeded without major incident. Dignitaries from across the continent — including Kenyan President William Ruto, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo — joined thousands of mourners for the final rites. The service was marked by solemnity and unity, as Odinga’s casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, stood under a marquee while a military band played and a 17-gun salute echoed through the air. Odinga was laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president and a hero of the country’s fight for independence.
“Now finally Baba is home,” said his son, Raila Junior, capturing the bittersweet mood of the day as reported by StratNews Global. Many in attendance, from ordinary Kenyans to high-ranking officials, struggled to come to terms with the loss. “I’m feeling so low having lost him and this feels like a bad dream … I still can’t believe Baba is gone,” said Ainea Opilu, a 25-year-old tutor, echoing the sentiments of millions who saw Odinga as a father figure and national conscience.
Odinga’s political journey was nothing short of extraordinary. He was imprisoned for treason, ran for president five times without success, and yet remained a central figure in Kenyan public life for over four decades. According to OkayAfrica, his legacy includes a defining role in Kenya’s fight for multiparty democracy, his tenure as prime minister in 2008 after a contested election, and his willingness to forge pacts with rivals to steady the nation during moments of crisis. Notably, Odinga struck political agreements with three of the country’s five presidents, including the current leader, William Ruto. In March 2025, after months of anti-government protests that saw young Kenyans storm and burn part of the parliament buildings, Odinga and Ruto signed a pact that helped calm tensions — a move widely credited with preserving peace.
President Ruto, speaking at the funeral, highlighted Odinga’s role as a mentor and nation-builder. “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,” Ruto said, as reported by Reuters. He added that Odinga had helped him “steady the country” and pledged to support the unity of Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ahead of the 2027 elections. The question of the ODM’s future loomed large over the proceedings, with party officials divided on whether to honor the pact with Ruto’s government or chart a more independent course.
Odinga’s reach extended far beyond Kenya. He was hailed as a “selfless pan-Africanist,” having mediated political impasses elsewhere on the continent and run for the African Union chairperson position. Former AU Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha described Odinga’s influence as “continental,” a view echoed by the many African dignitaries who attended his burial.
Tributes poured in from around the world, none more notable than that of former U.S. President Barack Obama, who has family roots in Kenya. In a message posted to social media, Obama called Odinga a “champion of peace who placed his country’s interests ahead of personal ambitions,” adding, “Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.”
The days leading up to the burial were marred by tragedy. The first public viewing of Odinga’s body in Nairobi on Thursday, October 16, turned deadly when police opened fire to disperse crowds who breached a stadium gate. Further violence erupted during subsequent viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu, the political heartland of the Luo tribe, Odinga’s community. In all, at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries were reported, according to Reuters and OkayAfrica. The violence served as a stark reminder of Kenya’s turbulent political history, often marked by post-election unrest and protests.
Yet, on Sunday, the nation found a measure of peace. The final procession — accompanied by military honours and a gun salute — saw mourners, family members, and leaders come together in a rare display of unity. The security cordon around the burial site was eventually breached by wailing mourners desperate for a last glimpse, but the interment itself remained dignified and respectful.
Odinga’s family, including his wife Ida and children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie, were present throughout the week’s events. The loss is deeply personal for them, but also collective for a nation that has looked to Odinga for guidance, hope, and sometimes, reconciliation. As Reuters noted, Odinga’s legacy is one of resilience — a man who never won the presidency but whose influence on Kenya’s democracy and society is undeniable.
Looking ahead, Kenya faces political uncertainty. As the country prepares for the 2027 elections, the future of Odinga’s ODM party and the stability of the current political pact remain open questions. What is clear is that the memory of “Baba” will continue to inspire — and challenge — Kenya’s leaders and citizens alike.
After a week of grief, chaos, and heartfelt remembrance, Raila Odinga was laid to rest with full honours, leaving behind a legacy that few in Kenya or Africa will ever forget.
