The funeral of veteran politician Raila Odinga drew vast crowds after several days of public viewing events
Thousands of Kenyans gathered on Sunday to honor opposition leader Raila Odinga at his burial near his farm in the west of the country.
Draped in the Kenyan flag, Odinga’s casket was laid to rest in a peaceful service in Bondo after a week of national mourning marred by deadly incidents. At least five people were reportedly killed and hundreds injured as chaos erupted during state funerals in Nairobi on Thursday and in Kisumu on Saturday.
Videos in Nairobi showed a large crowd forcing its way through the stadium gates where the late politician’s body lay. Soldiers first used tear gas and fired warning shots into the air, then used live ammunition.
During Sunday’s burial, the late politician’s son, Raila Jr., said: “Now finally Baba is home.”
The service included an Anglican funeral followed by a private burial, with military honors and dignitaries from across Africa in attendance, including Kenyan President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
During a funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University on Sunday, Odinga’s daughter Winnie thanked President Ruto for supporting the family.
In turn, Ruto said in a post on X that “his courage, his vision, and his unyielding faith in our collective destiny will forever illuminate the path of our nation.”
Odinga died on Wednesday in India at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment.
The veteran leader was a dominant figure in Kenya’s opposition for more than 40 years, running unsuccessfully for president five times. His disputed 2007 loss triggered unrest that led to over 1,000 people being killed. Following the clashes, a power-sharing deal emerged under which the post of prime minister was created. He held that position from 2008 to 2013.
