Tanzania’s detained opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has directed senior members of his Chadema party to attend the burial of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday. Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges, is widely recognised as one of East Africa’s most vocal champions of democracy. Despite being behind bars, he made it clear through his party that Raila’s passing was not only a loss for Kenya but also for the entire region’s struggle for democratic reform.
According to Chadema’s Director of Communication, Brenda Rupia, Deputy Leader John Wegesa Heche will lead the delegation, which includes senior party officials Godbless Lema and Boniface Jacob. “Hon Heche will lead a team of party leaders and members to the funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. He will be accompanied by Godbless Lema and Boniface Jacob to Bondo for the burial scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025,” Rupia said in a statement.
She added that the decision was made following consultations between Lissu and Heche during court proceedings on October 16.Earlier in the week, Lissu made a plea to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Tanzanian courts, asking to be allowed to attend Raila’s burial even “in chains.” “I appeal to you to allow me to attend the funeral of my friend Raila in Kenya. Even if it means travelling in handcuffs to and fro, please allow me to see Raila’s body,” Lissu pleaded in court.
His emotional request drew attention across the East African region, where both Lissu and Raila are regarded as enduring symbols of resistance and reform. The two leaders have shared political ideals and personal admiration, both having survived imprisonment, exile, and government hostility in their quest for multiparty democracy. Raila Odinga, who died at the age of 80, was often seen as a mentor figure for many opposition politicians across Africa. Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and has spent years in and out of exile, frequently cited Raila’s resilience as an inspiration for his own political journey.
Lissu’s ongoing trial arises from his call for Tanzanians to boycott the October 29 general election, alleging that the process favours the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has held power since independence in 1961. As preparations continue in Bondo, Raila Odinga’s funeral has drawn dignitaries and delegations from across the continent reflecting his enduring influence across Africa.