Raila Odinga to Be Laid to Rest in Private Ceremony, Oburu Oginga Confirms

By Collins Wasike 

In a poignant turn of events, Kenya prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic political figures, Raila Amollo Odinga, in a private burial ceremony scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. The announcement was made by his elder brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, during a somber gathering in Bondo, Siaya County.

Oburu, who co-chairs the State funeral committee, revealed that the burial will be attended by only a select group of close family members and confidants, in accordance with Raila’s personal wishes. “We will give Raila a dignified send-off, which he deserves, as a dignified son of this land,” Oburu stated, emphasizing the family's desire for an intimate farewell.

The private burial will follow a series of national mourning events, including a State funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, and a public viewing at Kasarani Stadium. Raila’s body, which arrived from India on Thursday morning, was received by President William Ruto and a high-level delegation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The final resting place will be beside his parents at the family home in Bondo, a symbolic gesture that underscores Raila’s deep-rooted connection to his ancestral land. The ceremony will also be preceded by a tribute event at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), honoring his legacy as a champion of democracy and devolution.

As the nation mourns, the Odinga family has asked for privacy and respect during this deeply personal moment. Raila’s departure marks the end of an era, but his influence on Kenya’s political landscape will endure for generations.