Raila Odinga Laid to Rest as Kenya Faces Political Crossroads

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was buried at his rural home with full military honours, drawing thousands of mourners and African dignitaries. His death comes as Kenya faces political uncertainty. President William Ruto and other leaders emphasized unity within Odinga’s ODM party and reaffirmed a political pact signed earlier this year. Odinga, who died at 80 while receiving treatment in India, was a long-time democracy advocate and key figure in Kenya’s political history. Despite never becoming president, he played major roles in national reconciliation and constitutional reform. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday at his rural home amid ongoing political uncertainty in a country that has experienced repeated post-election violence and anti-government protests.

Present at the burial were several Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, who earlier this year signed a political agreement with Odinga. They emphasized the importance of unity within Odinga's ODM party, urging it to remain cohesive and either form or join the next government after the 2027 general elections.

Odinga, known as a champion of democracy reforms, was given full military honours, including a 17-gun salute by the Kenya Defence Forces. His final resting place is beside that of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a key figure in Kenya’s independence struggle and the nation’s first vice president.

Thousands of mourners from across Kenya and dignitaries from across the African continent gathered to pay their last respects to a leader many described as a “selfless pan-Africanist.” The heavy emotional toll of the event was clear, as grieving citizens broke through a security barrier to reach the burial site, which had initially been restricted to family members and government officials.

Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday in India while undergoing medical treatment. His body was received in Nairobi on Thursday by thousands of mourners. In the days leading up to his burial, four public viewing events were held, each drawing massive crowds. Tragically, these gatherings resulted in five deaths and hundreds of injuries caused by stampedes.

Although Odinga never achieved his goal of becoming president despite five attempts, he was a key political figure who forged crucial agreements with three of Kenya’s five presidents during times of national crisis.

President Ruto expressed admiration and gratitude for Odinga's mentorship, saying, “I am very proud today that Raila Amolo Odinga is being rested when one of his own students — a man he has mentored — is today the president of Kenya.”

Ruto further stated that the political accord reached with Odinga earlier this year helped stabilize the country after months of unrest, including protests in which demonstrators stormed and partially burned the parliament buildings. As part of the agreement, members of Odinga's opposition were appointed to ministerial positions.

However, within Odinga’s ODM party, reactions to his legacy and the pact with Ruto’s administration were mixed. While some officials voiced support for continuing the agreement, others alluded to keeping a distance from leaders they accused of previously using force against Odinga and his supporters during opposition demonstrations.

In addition to his domestic political influence, Odinga played a role on the continental stage. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the African Union chairperson position but previously mediated regional political deadlocks.

Former African Union Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha noted Odinga’s broad impact across Africa. As prime minister in 2010, Odinga was instrumental in Kenya's constitutional reform process. Since his passing, tributes have poured in from global leaders who have praised his statesmanship.

He is survived by his wife Ida and children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie.