Thousands of mourners converged in Bondo, western Kenya, on Sunday to bid farewell to former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, whose death at 80 marked the end of an era in the nation’s political history. The Anglican funeral service, held under heavy security, was attended by local and international dignitaries, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Nigeria’s former leader Olusegun Obasanjo, according to Reuters.
Odinga, fondly known as “Baba” (Swahili for father), died last week in India, where he was receiving medical treatment. His son, Raila Jr., speaking at the ceremony, said, “Now finally Baba is home,” as a military gun salute honored the late statesman. The event, while solemn and peaceful, came after a turbulent week in which several memorial gatherings were marred by deadly chaos and stampedes.
As reported by Reuters, at least five people lost their lives and hundreds were injured in the days leading up to the burial. A public viewing at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi turned violent when crowds broke through security barriers, prompting police gunfire. Later, a stampede during the state funeral in Nairobi claimed two lives, while dozens more were injured at a memorial in Kisumu.
Analysts say the funeral not only highlighted Odinga’s enduring influence on Kenyan politics but also underscored the country’s urgent need for stronger crowd management and public safety measures. His passing, after decades of political struggle and leadership, leaves a significant void in Kenya’s democratic landscape.
