"Mama, I Brought Back Your Son": Ruth Odinga Pays Emotional Tribute Ahead of Raila Odinga’s Burial

 

As Kenya prepares to bid farewell to opposition leader and statesman Raila Amollo Odinga, his sister, Ruth Odinga, made a moving tribute at the Kango Ka Jaramogi family mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday.

Visiting the grave of their late mother, Mama Mary Juma Odinga, Ruth Odinga tearfully declared, “Mama, I brought back your son.”

Her words, simple yet powerful, captured the emotional weight of the moment as the family brought home one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures, returning him to his ancestral roots.

“I went to our mother’s grave to let her know that her son, Raila Amollo Odinga, is back,” Ruth said. “Back to the land of his birth, back to the people who loved him, and back to the resting place of our forebears.”

Raila Odinga, who passed away earlier this week, will be buried at the family mausoleum beside his parents — Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, and Mama Mary Odinga. The burial is expected to draw thousands, including dignitaries from across the continent, reflecting Odinga’s stature as a statesman, freedom fighter, and voice of democracy.

Amid the grief, Ruth Odinga expressed deep appreciation to the people of Bondo and Nyanza for the support they have shown during the family’s mourning.

“I want to sincerely thank the people of Bondo. The love you have shown brought a smile to my grieving face,” she said. “It is well.”

Preparations for the burial are underway, with security tightened and a large turnout expected. President, former heads of state, diplomats, and citizens from all walks of life are anticipated to attend the final sendoff of the man many called Baba.