KENYA: Family Of Late Raila Odinga Announces Burial Plans In Line with His Final Wishes

By Lapit Moses Punyuah, Nairobi, Kenya.

The family of the late Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has officially informed President William Ruto that, according to his will, the late statesman wished to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.

In a statement issued this evening, the family emphasised that “it was the wish of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga is to be laid to rest within seventy-two hours of his passing. However, given that his demise occurred outside the country, certain logistical considerations and formalities will understandably affect the timelines.”

The family, working closely with the Government of Kenya, has released the tentative programme of events leading to his burial as follows:

1:00 a.m. – Delegation arrival in Mumbai

2:00 a.m. – Departure from Mumbai

8:30 a.m. (Thursday) – Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi

10:00 a.m. – Transfer of the body to Lee Funeral Home

12:00 p.m. – Public viewing in Parliament Buildings

Friday:

A State Funeral Service will be held at Nyayo Stadium, led by national and international dignitaries.

Saturday:

Raila’s body will be flown to Kisumu early in the morning, where the public will have an opportunity for a final viewing before the cortege proceeds to Bondo, Siaya County.

Sunday:

The late Raila Odinga will be laid to rest in Bondo in accordance with Anglican Rites, fulfilling his lifelong wish for a simple but dignified farewell.

The government has reiterated its commitment to honouring Raila’s legacy with the dignity befitting a statesman of his stature.