Kisumu City was a sea of solemn faces on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as Kenyans gathered at Mamboleo Grounds for the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body. The event preceded a poignant road procession to Bondo, Siaya County, where Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The military jet carrying Odinga's remains touched down at Kisumu International Airport earlier in the day, marking a key phase in the national mourning period for the veteran politician.

The public viewing at Mamboleo Grounds allowed thousands of citizens from the Nyanza region and beyond to pay their final respects. The casket, draped in the national flag, lay in state for most of the day, with authorities appealing for order and early arrival to ensure smooth proceedings. Following the viewing, the body embarked on its journey to Bondo under full state honours, accompanied by security escorts and a formal convoy.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in India, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics. He died from a heart attack while receiving medical treatment in Kochi, Kerala state. Odinga served as Kenya's second Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and made five unsuccessful bids for the presidency. His political career, spanning over four decades, was marked by his relentless fight for multi-party democracy and significant political reforms. He endured imprisonment and exile during the autocratic rule of President Daniel Arap Moi, becoming a symbol of resilience and a champion for democratic institutions.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The funeral arrangements are being coordinated by a National Funeral Committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila's elder brother. This committee was established by President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to ensure a dignified state farewell. The committee secured consensus to vary Odinga's reported wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death, settling on Sunday, October 19, 2025, as the burial date.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga clarified earlier reports regarding the burial site, stating that his late brother expressed a wish to be laid to rest at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Nyamira, Bondo. This is the ancestral home where both his parents, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Juma Odinga, are buried. Oburu Oginga also appealed for peace during the processions, urging police restraint after incidents of teargassing during public viewing events in Nairobi.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Death: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
• Age at Death: 80 years
• Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest
• Burial Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Burial Site: Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, Nyamira, Bondo, Siaya County
• Funeral Committee Co-Chairs: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Odinga

Risks and Implications

The passing of Raila Odinga leaves a significant leadership vacuum within Kenya's political opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. His death has ignited a nationwide wave of mourning, uniting Kenyans across political divides. However, the emotional nature of the farewell events has also presented security challenges, with authorities working to manage large crowds and maintain order.

Unknowns and Controversies

While Senator Oburu Oginga stated that Raila wished to be buried at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, some initial reports suggested he might be buried beside his father, contrary to his will. However, Oburu's clarification indicates a desire to honor Raila's personal wishes. The exact details of Odinga's will regarding his burial site were a subject of discussion, with the family ultimately confirming his preference to be interred next to his mother at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi.

Timeline and Next Steps

The body will spend Saturday night in Bondo. A funeral service is scheduled for Sunday morning, October 19, 2025, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, before the family proceeds to Kang'o Ka Jaramogi for the burial.

What to Watch

All eyes will be on Bondo on Sunday, October 19, 2025, as the nation bids its final farewell to Raila Odinga. The proceedings are expected to draw a massive turnout, and security forces will remain vigilant to ensure a peaceful ceremony. The future leadership of the opposition and the political landscape leading up to the 2027 general elections will be closely watched in the coming months.

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Kenyans have been following the journey of Raila Odinga's body since its repatriation from India on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Public viewing events were held in Nairobi, including at Parliament Buildings and Nyayo National Stadium, before the body was airlifted to Kisumu.