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Thousands of mourners gathered at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday to bid farewell to Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. The late leader, who passed away on Wednesday in India at the age of 80, was honoured with a full state funeral attended by regional heads of state, senior government officials, and thousands of supporters. Many mourners carried Kenyan flags, portraits of Odinga, and wore T-shirts bearing his image as a sign of love and respect for the man many regarded as the father of Kenya’s multi-party democracy.
Security was tight in and around the stadium, with police and military officers deployed to prevent a repeat of the deadly chaos that erupted on Thursday during the body-viewing ceremony. At least three people lost their lives when police fired gunshots and tear gas to control the massive crowds that had gathered to escort Odinga’s body from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Odinga’s casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was brought into the stadium in a solemn military procession. As the coffin entered, the crowd broke into emotional chants, whistles, and songs, echoing “Raila usilale, bado mapambano” — Swahili for “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over.” The chant symbolized a plea for Odinga’s legacy and spirit to continue inspiring Kenyans in their pursuit of justice and democracy.
Among those in attendance were the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, alongside Kenyan leaders from across the political divide. The atmosphere was filled with grief and admiration, as speaker after speaker paid tribute to Odinga’s unwavering fight for democracy, social justice, and national unity.
His widow, Ida Odinga, described him as a man who “hated dishonesty and greed,” saying those vices had eroded the moral fabric of society. She spoke of her husband’s lifelong commitment to fairness, humility, and integrity, values she urged Kenyans to uphold in his memory. Bishop David Kodia, who led the funeral service, praised Odinga for his humility and courage, noting that he never used his influence or wealth to intimidate others.
Earlier in the day, Odinga’s body had been taken to Parliament, where Members of Parliament and dignitaries paid their last respects. Mourners in attendance carried palm branches and fronds, a Luo cultural symbol of mourning and sorrow.
Odinga was a towering figure in Kenya’s political history. Over the decades, he served as a minister, prime minister, and opposition leader. Despite losing five presidential bids, he remained a central force in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. His tireless pursuit of electoral reform and good governance earned him both respect and controversy, as he consistently claimed that electoral manipulation had denied him victory.
After Friday’s service, Odinga’s body will be flown to Kisumu, his political stronghold in western Kenya. There, thousands more are expected to pay their respects before he is finally laid to rest on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo, about 60 kilometres away. According to his family, Odinga had requested that his burial take place within 72 hours of his death — a wish that will be honoured.
The Kenyan government has declared a seven-day period of national mourning to honour the veteran politician. Across the country, flags are flying at half-mast as citizens reflect on the life of a man who shaped their democracy through courage, sacrifice, and resilience.