Kenya came to a standstill this week as the nation bade farewell to Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H., the former Prime Minister, whose name and legacy are woven into the country’s political and democratic fabric.
From Nairobi to Bondo, the outpouring of emotion captured the magnitude of a life lived for country, freedom and justice.
Raila Odinga’s death in India on October 15, 2025, drew an immediate and solemn response from President William Ruto, who described him as “a titan of conscience, a visionary of uncommon resolve, and a defender of the defenceless whose legacy will illuminate Kenya’s democratic path for all time.”
A Nation in Mourning
In a Presidential Proclamation issued from State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said, “It is with profound sorrow and the deepest sense of loss that I discharge my solemn duty to notify Kenya, Africa, and the world of the passing of The Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga.”
The President ordered a period of national mourning until the day of interment, with flags flown at half-mast across the country and in all Kenyan missions abroad.
“Prime Minister Raila Odinga shall be accorded a State Funeral, with military honours and the attendant State protocols being rendered and observed,” the proclamation read.
From that moment, the nation began its long goodbye.
On Thursday, October 16, a State Funeral Procession led by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto received Raila Odinga’s casket at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
A military Guard of Honour marched in precision as the body of the former Prime Minister arrived from India. The solemn ceremony, marked by the national and East African anthems, set the tone for three days of mourning and remembrance.
The casket was later escorted to the Lee Funeral Home, and then to Parliament Buildings for the Lying-in-State ceremony.
There, on the Speakers Walk, thousands of mourners lined up to pay their last respects as the national flag-draped casket rested on the catafalque.
One minute of national silence was observed as the President led the nation in honouring the fallen statesman.
The State Memorial Service
The following day, Friday, October 17, Nyayo National Stadium became the epicentre of a national tribute.
Dignitaries from across Africa joined Kenyan leaders and ordinary citizens in a memorial service that celebrated a life that spanned eight decades of resilience, sacrifice and leadership.
The service began with musical tributes, followed by prayers and eulogies that painted a portrait of a man whose ideals transcended politics.
“Raila Amolo Odinga is truly a once-in-a-generation leader, a man whose ideals transcended politics and whose legacy will shape Kenya’s destiny for generations to come,” the official eulogy read.
President Ruto, who led the national memorial, said working with Raila taught him the essence of humility and respect in politics.
“For me, working with Hon. Raila affirmed certain important truths that, I believe, no leader should ever neglect; respect for opponents, acknowledging our diversity and different opinions, never underestimating competitors and never losing sight of the humanity of all persons,” he said. He described Raila as “utterly unstoppable” when on a mission.
“When Hon. Raila and I were on the same page, we were utterly unstoppable. However, whenever we found ourselves at odds, the going got really tough,” he recalled.
The President said Raila’s courage and conviction made him “a towering patriot, a father of democracy, and a patriot whose life’s work shaped the soul of our Republic.”
First Lady Rachel Ruto, in her tribute, called Raila “a symbol of courage, sacrifice and unity.”
Her voice filled with emotion as she said, “His voice carried the weight of a generation’s hopes.
His actions challenged us to become better as a people, to speak truth, to stand for what is right, and to believe in the power of dialogue and reconciliation.”
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta described him as “a friend and a brother” whose life journey defined Kenya’s political evolution.
“Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigour and passion,” he said.
“His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build. It is etched in the very fabric of our nation.”
The Family’s Farewell
For the Odinga family, the farewell was deeply personal. Dr Ida Odinga, his widow, offered a moving tribute to the man she called her partner and confidant.
“For over five decades, you weren’t just my husband — you were my partner, my confidant, my greatest supporter,” she wrote.
“You taught me what true courage with humanity looks like. Through your actions and words, you showed us that forgiveness is a virtue worth cultivating, that bravery is rooted in facing storms head-on with unwavering faith.”
Her words captured the emotional weight of a life shared in love and sacrifice.
“Your love wrapped us, protected us, and your unwavering commitment to Kenya was evident until your very last breath,” she said.
“Farewell, my dear. You have run your race with honour, with courage and with unwavering love for Kenya.”
From his children came heartfelt expressions that intertwined grief with pride. Rosemary Odinga spoke of her father as a teacher and guide.
“You were my evergreen source of wisdom and my best life coach. You had a way of sharing advice, wisdom or lessons without making them sound like lectures,” she said.
“Through your example, I learned forgiveness; that healing comes not from holding on, but from letting go and choosing peace.” Raila Junior Odinga promised to carry on his father’s legacy.
“Dad embodied resilience, courage and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice,” he said.
“I will continue to fight for the values he believed in — justice, fairness and service to others. I will take care of our family — Mum, Rosie, Winnie — and the larger political family you have left behind. Ero kamano. Thank you, Dad.”
His youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, delivered a poignant and stirring tribute.
“I don’t know who I’ll miss more; my Dad or my Superhero,” she said.
“To my fellow mourners, I learned from him that love for country is not just in words, but in sacrifice. That justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely. That true leadership is service — not power.”
Her voice broke as she concluded, “The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025, but the Spirit of the Lion roars on forever. The King is dead, but long live the crown!” The Leader and His Legacy The official eulogy, read during the service, painted Raila as “a bridge between generations,” linking the independence struggle of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, to Kenya’s second liberation.
It recalled his courage under detention, his defiance against tyranny, and his instrumental role in ushering in multiparty democracy and the 2010 Constitution.
“Raila Odinga may not have been there to fight the country’s war for independence. But he bows out as an undisputed leader of the national rebirth of the Kenyan nation,” it read.
“He became the bridge between our generation and that of his father.” The eulogy traced his journey from his early education in Kisumu and Germany to his political awakening and years of imprisonment.
It highlighted his service as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata, Cabinet Minister, Prime Minister, and later African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
“Raila believed in political parties as vehicles for advancing democracy and good governance,” the eulogy said, recalling his role in forming FORD, NDP, LDP and ODM.
“He forgave his jailers and worked with them to move the country forward. He emphasised that building a progressive country demanded that leaders rise above anger and the desire for revenge.”
Tributes from Friends and Family
From every corner of the stadium came stories that humanised the man behind the political icon. His brother, Dr Oburu Oginga, described him as “fearless in every sense of the word,” while his sister Ruth Odinga remembered him as a disciplined and supportive mentor.
“He was tough and I take after him in toughness,” she said. His longtime aide, Maurice Ogeta, called him “the First Among Equals on the quest for a freer and more equal continent.”
Granddaughter Saphie A. Akasa remembered “Babu” as her teacher and friend.
“Babu has taught me that kindness is power, that forgiveness frees you, and that standing for what’s right is never out of fashion.” From across the extended family came reflections that revealed a man deeply rooted in love and humility.
His daughter-in-law, Yvonne Wambui Odinga, recalled his warmth. “He was so warm, so lovable — a man of quiet strength and deep gentleness that instantly put me at ease,” she said. “He taught us what family truly means — love, patience, laughter and showing up for one another.” Final Journey Home After the memorial service, the cortege made its final journey to Bondo for interment.
There, at his ancestral home, the State Funeral Procession gave full military honours, including a 19-gun salute, committal prayers, and floral tributes.
At the graveside, clergy led the final rites, marking the end of a long, remarkable journey.
“Fare thee well, our champion, our freedom fighter, our Baba,” the programme read. “You have fought the long fight, you have finished the arduous race, you have kept the unshakeable faith. Your work here is done.
The struggle continues. Rest in perfect and eternal peace.”
The End of an Era
As the nation lowered its flags and his casket into the earth, Kenya reflected on the life of a man who embodied its struggles and dreams. Raila Amolo Odinga’s passing marked the close of a chapter, but also the rise of a legacy that will endure beyond politics.
“We will cherish Raila’s memory in the heart of our nation,” the eulogy concluded.
“Fare thee well, our champion. The struggle continues.”
