KENYA: End of an Era, Kenya Rests Raila Odinga with Full State Honours

By Lapit Moses Punyuah, Bondo, Siaya County, Kenya 

Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga was laid to rest today at his family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, in a state burial marked by a 17-gun salute, ceremonial military honours, and a powerful display of national mourning.

The funeral service held in his native Siaya County was attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Cabinet ministers, senior military officers, and thousands of citizens who came from across Kenya to honour the man widely known as “Baba.”

At precisely 16:53 local time, an artillery unit of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) fired 17 rounds into the air, each blast echoing across the fields of Bondo as the casket, draped in the Kenyan flag was lowered into the grave beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President.

The 17-gun salute—a distinct honour reserved for former heads of government, highlighted Odinga’s stature as a statesman, champion of democracy, and architect of devolution.

Tearful mourners formed long processions as they paid their final respects. Many held placards reading “Baba, thank you” and chanted his name in unison. Security was heightened in the area after a week of large crowds and a number of deadly incidents during earlier public viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu.

President Ruto described the late leader’s passing as “a very big blow,” and pledged to uphold Odinga’s legacy. The President’s remarks reflected the political bond that had developed between the two men in recent months after years of rivalry.

Sunday’s burial marks the conclusion of a national week of mourning, official public holidays, and widespread reflection on the life of a man whose influence spanned decades.