The State Funeral for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium, drawing thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across the world to honor the life and legacy of one of Kenya's most iconic political figures.
The solemn ceremony saw the former Prime Minister's casket, draped in the Kenyan flag and adorned with the orange colors of the ODM party, transported in a dignified procession to the packed stadium.
Among the sea of faces were ordinary citizens, political leaders, and international dignitaries, all united in their grief and determination to celebrate Raila's life and contributions to Kenya and the African continent.
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The Odinga family, led by Mama Ida Odinga were visibly moved by the outpouring of love and respect for their departed patriarch. Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, and the children, including Raila Junior and Rosemary Odinga, were present to receive condolences and witness the nation's tribute to their loved one.
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto attended the State Funeral, marking the culmination of the official mourning period.
Leaders from the united opposition were present in large numbers, demonstrating the continued solidarity within the political movement that Raila had championed for decades.
Governors from across the country attended the ceremony, alongside Cabinet Secretaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
The State Funeral drew distinguished guests from the region and beyond, with foreign dignitaries including Ethiopian President Taye Atsé Selassie, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete paying their respects to the fallen leader.
In a poignant display of loyalty and determination, civilians in the stadium broke into song, chanting "Baba usilale, bado Mapambano" (Baba don't sleep, the struggle continues), a rallying cry that has defined Raila's political movement for generations.
The emotional chorus echoed through the stadium, capturing the spirit of resistance and reform that Raila embodied throughout his decades-long political career.
