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Thousands of Kenyans gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, to lay to rest Raila Odinga, a towering figure in the nation's political landscape, whose decades-long fight for democracy and justice earned him the moniker 'The People's President.'
The final journey of Raila Amolo Odinga, a man who profoundly shaped Kenya's political trajectory, culminated on Sunday, October 19, 2025, with his burial at his rural home in Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County. The interment followed an emotional funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, attended by thousands of mourners, including President William Ruto and other dignitaries.
Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India, was accorded full military honours, including a 17-gun salute. His burial site is alongside that of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President.
Raila Odinga's political career, spanning over five decades, was marked by relentless activism against authoritarianism, multiple detentions without trial, and five unsuccessful bids for the presidency. Despite never clinching the top office, his influence in advocating for multi-party democracy and constitutional reforms is widely acknowledged.
A pivotal moment in his career was the disputed 2007 presidential election, which led to widespread post-election violence. A power-sharing agreement, brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, saw Odinga serve as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under President Mwai Kibaki.
In 2018, Odinga's 'Handshake' with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, a former political rival, surprised many. While hailed by some as a move towards national unity, critics viewed it as a betrayal of the opposition's cause.
Odinga played a critical role in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, a landmark achievement in Kenya's democratic journey. His political engagements often centered on electoral justice and good governance, pushing for reforms that aimed to ensure fairer processes and accountability.
Tributes have poured in from across Africa and beyond, with leaders acknowledging Odinga's statesmanship and his fight for democracy. President William Ruto, who had a political pact with Odinga earlier this year, lauded him for rising above self when the nation needed him. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo described Odinga as a brother, friend, and confidant, highlighting his passionate love for Kenya and Africa. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta remembered Odinga as a close friend and patriot who fought for justice, equity, and unity.
The passing of Raila Odinga leaves a significant void in Kenya's political landscape, particularly for the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party, which he led. Leaders have emphasized the need for unity within his party and for continued engagement in national governance.
While Odinga's supporters fondly referred to him as 'The People's President,' a title he symbolically embraced by taking an oath of office on January 30, 2018, after rejecting the 2017 election results, this act was controversial. The High Court later determined that the oath did not amount to treason, as it lacked any practical attempt to seize authority.
The government has indicated that further activities to honour Odinga will be announced after his burial.
The political implications of Odinga's demise, particularly concerning the future leadership of the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition and its role in national politics, will be closely watched. The government's planned post-burial honours will also be a point of public interest.
