Raila Odinga’s Body Returns Home for State Funeral in Kenya

Arrival of a National Icon

The body of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and one of its most influential opposition figures, arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning, marking the start of a solemn national mourning period. The aircraft carrying his remains touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly before 10 a.m.

As the coffin was carried out onto the tarmac, thousands of Kenyans flooded the airport grounds. Many waved the national flag, sang the anthem, and chanted in unison, paying tribute to the man they lovingly called “Baba.” A procession of boda boda riders followed the hearse, symbolizing his deep bond with ordinary citizens.

A Political Life Marked by Struggle

Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 from a suspected heart attack while on a walk in India, left behind a legacy of fierce political activism. The son of the country’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he rose to prominence during the 1990s, championing Kenya’s fight for multiparty democracy.

His defiance of one-party rule earned him several periods of detention without trial, cementing his place as a voice of resistance. Odinga contested the presidency five times but never won. His most controversial loss came in 2007 when he alleged widespread electoral fraud, a dispute that plunged the nation into violence and ultimately led to a power-sharing agreement that made him Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.

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A Legacy That Transcends Politics

Respected by both supporters and rivals, Odinga was widely seen as a statesman who shaped Kenya’s democratic path. President William Ruto, once his fierce opponent, declared a seven-day national mourning period with flags flown at half-mast across the country.

In his address, Ruto described Odinga’s death as an “immense and immeasurable loss.” He hailed him as a patriot who gave everything to his country. Even after losing the 2022 presidential election, Odinga joined Ruto in a broad-based unity government, emphasizing national cohesion over division.

Nation Prepares for Final Farewell

In the coming days, Odinga’s body will lie in state at Parliament, allowing thousands of Kenyans to pay their final respects. The national funeral ceremony is set for Friday, where dignitaries and citizens alike are expected to gather in his honour.

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His final journey will end in his hometown of Bondo, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday in what is expected to be one of the largest state funerals in the country’s history.

A Symbol of Hope and Democracy

For many Kenyans, Odinga represented courage, resilience, and the enduring fight for justice. His political career spanned decades of struggle, transformation, and hope. His passing closes a monumental chapter in Kenya’s democratic story, but his ideals will continue to shape its future.

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