Editor's Review

The president arrived at the JOOUST grounds for the final journey of the late Raila Odinga.

President William Ruto landed in Bondo to lead the country in sending off the late Raila Odinga. 

Ruto arrived at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga of Science and Technology (JOOUST) moments past 9 am on Sunday, October 19.

The president arrived in the company of his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, and former president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Others were former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Also in attendance are ranking government officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, governors, senators, and other elected political leaders.

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They paid their respects to the deceased by bowing beside the coffin bearing the body.

The funeral was presided over by Bishop David Kodia of the ACK Diocese of Bondo.

Mourners throng JOOUST grounds for Raila Odinga's send-off.

Meanwhile, only 500 people will be allowed to witness the interment of Raila.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that security personnel have been stationed to oversee the large turnout expected at Raila’s funeral service. 

“At most, maybe 500 people will be granted access. But of course, you work with the times and the challenges. Sometimes you want to lock out people, but you find they are relatives. We will make sure that we adhere to the number. There is something solemn about the last rites which the family must go through,” said Murkomen.

He appealed to the public to honor the family’s wishes and give them space to carry out the burial with dignity.

“I want to request our people that we become very sensitive and give the family the moment to go through the emotions in terms of the burial itself,” Murkomen added.

The statement followed an earlier announcement by Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, indicating that attendance at the burial ceremony would be limited.

Raila died on Wednesday, October 15, at the age of 80 after experiencing cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic wellness center in India.

The ODM leader was taken to a private hospital, where he was declared dead.

He will be buried at the Kang'o Kajaramogi mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, following the funeral service at JOOUST.