Ofure Akhigbe
Thousands of mourners have converged on Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium for the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday in India at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment.
The stadium was filled early Friday morning with Kenyans waving national flags, carrying portraits of the late leader, and wearing T-shirts bearing his image as they paid their final respects.
Security was tight in and around the venue, with heavy deployment of police and military officers to prevent a repeat of Thursday’s chaos during the public viewing. At least three people were killed when police fired gunshots and tear gas to disperse crowds that overwhelmed barriers as Odinga’s body arrived from India at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, alongside top Kenyan government officials and foreign envoys.
As the casket entered the stadium in a ceremonial military procession, mourners broke into chants, whistles, and songs. Many shouted the Swahili slogan “Raila usilale, bado mapambano” — meaning “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over” — in a symbolic appeal for his enduring spirit of resistance.
Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, paid tribute to her husband’s integrity and lifelong fight for justice.
“Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed — the greed that has affected the fabric of our society,” she said.
Leading the funeral service, Bishop David Kodia described Odinga as a leader who “never used his political power and money to intimidate people.”
Earlier Friday morning, the late opposition leader’s body was taken to Parliament Buildings, where Members of Parliament and select dignitaries viewed it.
Mourners, many carrying branches and palm fronds — traditional Luo symbols of grief — expressed both sorrow and pride at the send-off for a man widely regarded as a freedom fighter and democracy advocate.
On Saturday, Odinga’s body will be transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold in western Kenya, where members of the public will have another opportunity to pay their respects. He will be buried on Sunday at his family farm in Bondo, about 60 kilometers west of Kisumu, in accordance with his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours.
The Kenyan government has declared a seven-day national mourning period in his honor.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades, served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 and was a five-time presidential contender. Despite never ascending to the presidency, he remained a powerful symbol of opposition and reform, often alleging that his electoral losses were due to manipulation of votes.
