Raila Odinga laid to rest in Nyamira, Kenya

20 October 2025, 10:33 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Former Prime Minister (2008–2013) and five-time Presidential Aspirant of the Republic of Kenya, Raila Amolo Odinga, aged 80, was today laid to rest at his ancestral home in Nyamira Village, Bondo, following his death last Wednesday in India.

Hundreds of thousands gathered to pay their final respects to one of East Africa’s most prominent opposition leaders. Due to the ongoing campaign season in Uganda, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni delegated former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to represent Uganda at the funeral.

In his eulogy, Kenyan President William Ruto praised the late Odinga for his immense contribution to Kenya’s political landscape.
“I want to thank Baba for mentoring us. It’s true he is the people’s president. When we were campaigning, it was either Raila or one of his students,” President Ruto said.

He further pledged that his government would continue supporting Odinga’s family.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta described Raila as “a true friend whose legacy will forever remain in Kenya’s history.”

Ida Odinga, the widow of the late leader, expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for according her husband a state funeral.
“I thank you, President Ruto, for everything you have done for Baba. Thank you, Uhuru Kenyatta, you have been a true friend to us ever since. May Raila’s soul rest in peace,” she said briefly, also urging Kenyans to maintain peace.

Across Africa and the world, several leaders extended condolences to the Odinga family and the people of Kenya.

In his message, President Yoweri Museveni described Raila as a freedom fighter in the tradition of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.
“Ideologically, they both had a patriotic and Pan-Africanist orientation. Their sentiments were for the unity of Kenya, East Africa, and Africa as a whole. It is unfortunate that Raila has left us at this moment. The young people must now fill the void left by such historical fighters for Africa’s future,” Museveni stated.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama also mourned the late Odinga, calling him “a true champion of democracy and a child of independence.”
“He endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya. Time and again, I saw him put his country’s interests ahead of his own ambitions. Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but for people across Africa and the world. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and the people of Kenya,” Obama said.

Also present at the burial was former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who described Raila as a close friend and dedicated Pan-Africanist.

Odinga is survived by his wife, Ida, their children, and several grandchildren.