Nairobi, Kenya - Thousands of Kenyans gathered at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi on Friday for the state funeral of Raila Odinga, a veteran opposition leader who died Wednesday at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in India. Regional leaders, including the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, attended the ceremony alongside Kenyan officials and mourners.
Odinga’s body arrived at the stadium in a ceremonial military procession, prompting mourners to break into chants of “Raila usilale, bado mapambano,” Swahili for “raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over”-a symbolic call for his political legacy to continue. despite losing five presidential campaigns, most recently three years ago, Odinga remained a towering figure in Kenyan politics for decades.He repeatedly alleged vote manipulation in his defeats.
During the service, President william Ruto led attendees in singing Odinga’s favorite reggae song, “Jamaican Farewell.” Odinga’s widow, Ida, appealed for peace and unity during the mourning period, adding, “Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed.The greed that has affected the fabric of our society.” Former President Uhuru Kenyatta shared humorous recollections of times spent with Odinga, recalling their close relationship even after Kenyatta defeated Odinga in the disputed 2017 election and later backed his unsuccessful 2022 bid.Bishop David Kodia, who led the service, praised Odinga’s integrity, stating he never used his power or wealth to intimidate others.
Earlier Friday, Odinga’s body lay in state at Parliament, where MPs and dignitaries paid their respects. Following the funeral, Odinga’s body will be transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold in western Kenya, on Saturday. A public viewing will be held before his burial on Sunday at his farm in Bondo, approximately 60km (40 miles) west of Kisumu, fulfilling his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death. A seven-day period of national mourning has been declared. One person fainted inside the stadium during the event, and received medical attention from the Kenya Red Cross. Mourners carried branches and palm fronds, customary symbols of grief within Odinga’s Luo ethnic group.
