Tempers briefly flared at Opoda Farm after Alego Usonga MP
Sam Atandi and his entourage were denied access to the late Raila Odinga’s rural
home on Friday.
Atandi and his group arrived at the home as preparations for the former Prime Minister’s burial were in high gear.
According to reports from the ground, Atandi was turned away by police officers stationed at the farm's main gate.
Sources indicate the MP was barred not necessarily due to his presence, but because of the entourage that accompanied him, which authorities feared would demand entry as well.
Access to Opoda Farm has now been heavily restricted, with only close family members and select officials allowed inside as funeral arrangements intensify.
A heavy police presence remains around the expansive homestead as the nation prepares to lay to rest one of its most influential and iconic political leaders.
Raila’s death has drawn mourners from across Kenya, with a steady stream of people arriving at Opoda Farm daily to pay their respects.
From local residents to visitors from distant counties, Kenyans have gathered at the site to reflect, grieve, and honour the man many regarded as the father of modern Kenyan democracy.
Since news of his passing, the farm has become a national focal point. Mourners have arrived carrying flowers, lighting candles, and sharing heartfelt stories about Raila's contribution to the country’s political and social transformation.
Despite the public outpouring of grief, Raila’s burial will be a private affair.
According to his brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga, Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, beside the grave of his late mother.
The ceremony will be attended only by a small circle of
family members and close friends, in accordance with Raila’s personal wishes.
Oburu shared these details with the public during a visit to Opoda Farm on Thursday. He explained that the funeral will begin with a ceremony at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), after which a select group will proceed to Kang’o ka Jaramogi for the burial.
Oburu noted that this was Raila’s express wish—to be buried beside his late parents, in a quiet and dignified farewell.
For the wider public, opportunities to bid farewell are still available. Initially planned to take place at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, the official public viewing has been relocated to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.
This change, announced by the National State Funeral Committee, is part of revised logistical plans aimed at accommodating the growing number of mourners.
