A Nation Mourns: Raila Odinga’s Family Arrives for Final Farewell

By Collins Wasike 

On the morning of October 19, 2025, the air at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo was thick with emotion and reverence. Thousands of mourners had already gathered, their voices rising in solemn chants of “Baba! Baba!” as the convoy carrying the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s body approached the university grounds.

At precisely 8:00 a.m., Raila’s family arrived, led by his widow Ida Odinga and daughter Winnie Odinga, who clutched her father’s iconic hat close to her chest—a quiet symbol of legacy and love. The family, dressed in black and visibly moved, was ushered to the front of the ceremonial grounds where Raila’s casket lay draped in the national flag.

The atmosphere was a blend of grief and pride. Supporters waved flags and portraits of the late statesman, while clergy from the Anglican Church of Kenya prepared for the commendation prayers. Military officers stood in formation, their presence underscoring the gravity of the state funeral.

As Raila’s family took their seats, the crowd fell into a respectful hush. Ida Odinga bowed her head, her hands clasped tightly, while Winnie gazed at the casket with quiet strength. The Odinga family’s arrival marked the beginning of a day that would etch itself into Kenya’s collective memory—a farewell not just to a political titan, but to a father, husband, and national icon.

The service was set to continue with tributes from dignitaries, including President William Ruto, and a final procession to Raila’s resting place in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo. For many, this was more than a burial—it was the closing chapter of a life that shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.