Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, October 20, 2025, paid a quiet visit to the burial site of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at his ancestral home in Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County. The visit, which was private and without an official entourage, occurred just a day after Odinga was laid to rest following a state funeral.

Kenyatta spent several moments at the fresh gravesite, bowing his head in silent prayer and reflection for a man he once considered a close friend and political partner. He was accompanied by Odinga's elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. Following his respects at the grave, the former President held a private meeting with Senator Oginga, though details of their discussion were not made public.

Historical and Political Context

The relationship between Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga was marked by periods of intense political rivalry and significant cooperation. Their historic 'handshake' in 2018, following the contentious 2017 general elections, was widely credited with diffusing political tensions and stabilising the country.

Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India, at the age of 80, after a short illness. His state funeral and subsequent burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, drew thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across Kenya and Africa.

Laws/Policy and Governance

The timing of Kenyatta's visit coincided with the national Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County on Monday, October 20, 2025. During the celebrations, President William Ruto posthumously awarded Raila Odinga the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the country's highest civilian honour, in recognition of his immense contributions to Kenya's democracy and development.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was the chief guest at the Mashujaa Day celebrations, marking his first official visit to Kenya since assuming office in 2024. President Faye extended his condolences to Kenya and Odinga's family, describing the late leader as a great leader and a pillar of African democracy.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

During Odinga's funeral service, several leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) affirmed their commitment to working within a broad-based government alongside President William Ruto. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the ODM Chairperson, stated that Odinga's final wish was for the party to remain united and align with the ruling coalition for national unity. This sentiment was echoed by Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Raila's sister, and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina.

However, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna urged party leaders to honour Odinga's last words by preparing for the 2027 elections and cautioned against misrepresenting his position on ODM's future. Sifuna emphasised that Odinga's leadership was anchored in listening to the people and that the party should decide its political path at the right time.

Rosemary Odinga, Raila's daughter, eulogised her father as a man who believed in his children and taught them to love the entire country and continent. She urged Kenyans to look within themselves to become better, stronger, and sharper, in honour of her father's legacy.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Demise: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
• Burial Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Location of Burial: Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County
• Posthumous Honour: Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.)
• Mashujaa Day 2025 Chief Guest: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal

Risks/Implications

The passing of Raila Odinga has ushered in a period of political uncertainty for the ODM party, particularly concerning its future direction and leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election. While some ODM leaders advocate for continued cooperation with the government, others, like Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, stress the importance of maintaining the party's independence and preparing for future electoral contests.

Unknowns and Controversies

The full implications of Odinga's 'dying wish' for ODM to remain united and potentially in a broad-based government continue to be debated within the party. There are differing interpretations among party officials regarding the extent and duration of this cooperation, with some suggesting it extends only until the 2027 elections.

Timeline and Next Steps

• Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Raila Odinga passes away in India.
• Thursday, October 16, 2025: Odinga's body arrives in Kenya.
• Friday, October 17, 2025: State funeral service held at Nyayo National Stadium.
• Saturday, October 18, 2025: Public viewing of the body in Kisumu.
• Sunday, October 19, 2025: Burial of Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
• Monday, October 20, 2025: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta visits Odinga's grave; Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui.

What to Watch

The political landscape in Kenya will be closely watched for how the ODM party navigates its future without its long-time leader. The internal dynamics within ODM, particularly regarding the succession debate and the party's stance on alliances, will be key areas of focus. The implementation of the political pact between President Ruto and the late Odinga will also be a significant point of observation.