Kenya on Friday held a state funeral for the late opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, in an emotional ceremony attended by national and regional dignitaries at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
Odinga, aged 80, passed away on Wednesday in southern India following a suspected heart attack. His death has triggered a wave of grief across the nation, with thousands of Kenyans paying tribute to his decades-long struggle for democracy and good governance.
Fondly referred to as “Baba” (father), Odinga was widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. Though he never succeeded in five presidential bids, he served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and played a pivotal role in returning Kenya to multi-party democracy in the 1990s. He is also credited with driving the enactment of the country’s 2010 Constitution, which remains a landmark achievement in Kenya’s political history.
President William Ruto led the tributes during the ceremony, which also had in attendance Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and several other African leaders.
The event followed Thursday’s tragic scenes at Kasarani Stadium, where security forces reportedly opened fire on crowds that had gathered to receive Odinga’s body, killing at least three people.
Following the state funeral, the late leader’s body will be taken to his ancestral home in western Kenya, where thousands are expected to gather for a final public viewing on Saturday. A private burial will take place on Sunday.
Odinga’s passing leaves a significant void in Kenya’s political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
