Raila Odinga to Be Laid to Rest in Private Family Ceremony
The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday in a private burial ceremony to be attended by only a few select people, his family has confirmed.
Addressing mourners in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, Raila’s elder brother Dr. Oburu Oginga — who co-chairs the State Funeral Committee — said the ceremony will follow a major funeral service to be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
Dr. Oginga, who also serves as the Siaya Senator, reassured supporters that the Odinga family was determined to give the former Prime Minister a dignified send-off, describing him as “a dignified son of the land.”
Private Burial Plans for Raila Odinga
According to Dr. Oginga, the programme will conclude with Raila’s final burial at the family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where he will be interred beside his parents, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Juma Odinga.
“We will give Raila the send-off he deserves,” he said. “After the ceremony at JOOUST, the burial will be private, attended only by a few people.”
The decision for a private burial comes amid intense public interest and large gatherings witnessed throughout the week during public viewing events in Nairobi and Kisumu.
State Funeral Events Ahead of the Burial
A State Funeral service for Raila will be held on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium. Many foreign dignitaries and senior government officials are expected to be in attendance. This major service is planned to honor his profound contributions to the nation.
Following the service, the body will be moved to Raila’s Karen residence for an overnight stay. On Saturday morning, the deceased’s remains will be flown to Kisumu. They will be placed for a necessary public viewing at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium. This public viewing location is situated in the Mamboleo area. Afterward, the remains will be transported by road onward to Bondo. The remains will remain in Bondo for the final, traditional night.
The official burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19. It will be conducted according to the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK). Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had earlier confirmed this information. He is serving as the co-chair of the officially formed funeral committee.
