Heavy security blanketed the western Kenyan city of Kisumu on October 18, 2025, as thousands of mourners gathered for the final public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body. The somber occasion, meant to honor one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, was marred by recent violence that left at least five people dead during earlier funeral events, casting a pall over the nation’s week of mourning.
Raila Odinga, who died unexpectedly at age 80 after collapsing during a morning walk in India on October 15, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics. His sudden passing triggered a wave of grief and reflection across the country, especially in his political stronghold of Kisumu and the surrounding regions. The public outpouring of emotion was so intense that thousands camped overnight at the city’s soccer stadium, hoping for a chance to pay their final respects. According to the Associated Press, the stadium became a focal point for collective mourning, with military officers, regular police, and air surveillance teams deployed to maintain order amid the massive crowds.
The heightened security presence reflected not just the scale of public sentiment but also recent tragic events. During previous public funeral gatherings, police opened fire on mourners, resulting in at least three deaths, as confirmed by Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa. The bodies, all bearing gunshot wounds, were transported to Nairobi Funeral Home (City Mortuary), a stark reminder of the tensions simmering beneath the surface of this national moment. Eyewitnesses told El Balad that some men, dressed in civilian clothes, wielded batons against protesters, further escalating the chaos. The violence, which also left several injured, has drawn criticism from human rights groups and fueled debate over the state’s response to large public demonstrations.
Despite the unrest, the funeral events continued with a sense of gravity and tradition. Public mourning began at Lee Funeral Home, where supporters arrived early, many carrying branches and palm fronds—a poignant symbol of grief within the Luo community, to which Odinga belonged. The scene was described by France 24 as one of solemnity and unity, with huge crowds lining the streets as Odinga’s body was transported home. The magnitude of the turnout underscored his enduring legacy as a champion of democracy and a fierce opponent of electoral injustice.
Odinga’s funeral has drawn significant political attention, with dignitaries from across Kenya and beyond in attendance. President William Ruto, who had been a political rival but later reconciled with Odinga, joined mourners to observe the coffin before the public viewing. Other high-profile figures, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, were also present. Kindiki, who oversaw funeral arrangements, held a press briefing but notably did not address the violence or fatalities that had occurred during the mourning period, according to El Balad.
The journey to Odinga’s final resting place is steeped in both personal and national significance. On Saturday, his body was transported to Kisumu, a city on the shores of Lake Victoria and a cornerstone of his political base. The public was given opportunities for a final viewing before the scheduled burial at his farm in Bondo, approximately 60 kilometers west of Kisumu. The family, adhering to tradition and their own wishes, planned for Odinga to be laid to rest promptly—ideally within 72 hours of his death. A seven-day period of mourning was declared, allowing Kenyans from all walks of life to reflect on his impact and legacy.
Odinga’s career spanned decades and was marked by both triumph and turbulence. He led the opposition through five presidential elections, the last just three years ago, and was a central figure in Kenya’s push for democratic reforms. Throughout his career, Odinga maintained that he faced systemic electoral injustices, a claim that resonated with many of his supporters. His resilience and passion for change made him a beloved—if sometimes polarizing—figure in Kenyan public life.
The events surrounding his funeral have exposed deep-seated tensions within Kenyan society. The violence that erupted during mourning events has been widely condemned, with human rights advocates questioning the necessity and proportionality of the police response. Many have called for a thorough investigation into the use of force, particularly given the presence of plainclothes individuals wielding batons against unarmed protesters. As reported by El Balad, the lack of official comment on these incidents has only fueled public frustration and demands for accountability.
Yet, amid the grief and controversy, Odinga’s legacy as a statesman remains firmly intact. His political journey was defined not only by his leadership within the opposition but also by his willingness to engage with rivals for the sake of national unity. In 2018, after months of post-election unrest, Odinga and then-President Uhuru Kenyatta famously shook hands, signaling a new era of cooperation and reconciliation. This act, often referred to as “the handshake,” helped to ease political tensions and set the stage for future dialogue—a testament to Odinga’s pragmatic approach to leadership.
As Kenya prepares to lay Odinga to rest on October 19 at his family’s farm in Bondo, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. The outpouring of grief, the scale of public participation, and the tragic violence that has accompanied the funeral events all point to a country wrestling with its past and its future. For many, Odinga’s passing is not just the end of an era, but a call to action—a reminder of the unfinished work of democracy and the ongoing struggle for justice and inclusion.
In the words of one mourner, “He was a patriot, a selfless statesman who helped the country as a whole.” As the funeral procession winds its way through Kisumu and into the heart of Bondo, Kenyans from all backgrounds are united in honoring a leader whose influence will be felt for generations to come.