Kenyans Bid Emotional Farewell to Raila Odinga in Kisumu
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Thousands Mourn the Passing of a Political Icon Who Shaped Kenya’s Democracy
Thousands of mourners filled the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu to bid farewell to Raila Odinga, the former prime minister of Kenya. The 80-year-old opposition leader’s body lay in an open coffin as men, women, and children wept, chanting “we are orphans” to express their grief over the loss of a figure many saw as the father of modern democracy in Kenya.
Grief and Tribute
“I have come here to mourn an icon of Africa,” said Dixon Ochieng, a mourner. Odinga passed away on Wednesday in India, and his body was flown back to Kenya for public viewing before being taken to his home in Bondo for burial.
His widow, Ida Odinga, urged mourners to grieve peacefully. Her plea followed tragic incidents at previous gatherings that resulted in at least five deaths and dozens of injuries at the stadium.
A Symbol of Democracy
Odinga’s influence stretched far beyond his political heartland in western Kenya. Throughout his career, he championed democracy, challenged electoral injustices, and stood at the forefront of Kenya’s multi-party struggle.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama posted a message of condolence on X, describing Odinga as “a true champion of democracy.” He added, “A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya.”
A Life of Political Resilience
Odinga contested the presidency five times but never won, often claiming electoral fraud. His political resilience and ability to rise after every defeat made him a revered figure. After the disputed 2007 elections, he became prime minister in a unity government, a move many considered a step toward national healing.
Obama further remarked, “Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.”
Mourners Share Memories
Mourners at the stadium echoed this sentiment. Jacob Omondi said, “I remember him for giving us democracy, for giving me our freedom and now we can talk and say anything we see is wrong.”
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Another mourner, David Ouma, praised his strength, saying, “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from Raila is to be resilient, because Raila was always a very resilient leader through every election… he still rose to try again.”
Many attendees wore orange, the color of his Orange Democratic Movement party, and carried branches a traditional mourning symbol among the Luo community.
Final Resting Place
According to his family, Odinga wished to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death. His body will remain overnight at Opoda Farm, near Bondo, before Sunday’s funeral service at a local university. He will then be buried privately at the family mausoleum in his father’s homestead.
His passing marks the end of an era in Kenya’s political landscape, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in democracy.
Source: bbc.com
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