The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived at his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya County, on Saturday afternoon, drawing thousands of mourners who turned up to pay their last respects to the veteran opposition leader.
The casket, draped in the national flag, was flown from Kisumu shortly after the public viewing at Mamboleo grounds and transported by road under tight security. Along the route from Bondo town to Opoda, residents lined the roads waving flags, carrying portraits of the late leader, and chanting in celebration of a man many described as the father of Kenya’s democracy.
Emotions ran high as the hearse entered the Odinga compound, with mourners breaking into song, prayer, and ululation. Inside the homestead, the body was received by Ida Odinga, family members, and senior political figures including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, and Senator Oburu Oginga, who led the family in viewing the body. Clergy from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) conducted a brief prayer and commendation service before the casket was placed for public viewing.
Speaking at the homestead, Ida Odinga thanked Kenyans for their overwhelming show of love and solidarity. “You have stood with us through this difficult journey,” she said. “Raila loved this country deeply, and seeing you all here gives us strength to face tomorrow with grace.”
Governor James Orengo described Odinga as a towering figure whose ideals transcended politics. “Raila’s fight was never about power, it was about justice, fairness, and the soul of this nation,” he said. “Even in death, he continues to unite us.”
The late Odinga’s body will lie in repose overnight at Opoda Farm, allowing mourners to continue paying their respects through the evening vigil. Security around the area has been heightened, with officers from the National Police Service and National Youth Service maintaining order as thousands continue to stream in from Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and neighbouring counties.
Supporters and political leaders from across the country and beyond are still travelling to Bondo to pay their final respects, with delegations expected from neighbouring countries and representatives of regional and international organisations. Hotels and homes around Bondo and Siaya are reported to be fully booked as visitors flock to the area ahead of the funeral.
On Sunday morning, the body will be moved to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds for the state funeral service, which is expected to draw local and international dignitaries, including senior government officials and foreign envoys. After the ceremony, the body will be returned to Opoda Farm for a private family burial, bringing to a close the life of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.