Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was on Sunday, October 19, laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
The burial followed a funeral service held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where leaders and dignitaries gathered to pay their final respects.
Following the conclusion of the service, Raila’s body was loaded onto a hearse by members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who later performed full military rites at the graveside.
Raila was buried with his trademark hat and fly whisk, iconic items that had come to define his image throughout his political journey.
The private burial ceremony was attended by Raila’s immediate family, including his wife Mama Ida Odinga and children Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.
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His siblings, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and Wenwa Akinyi Odinga, were also present.
Raila’s longtime bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, who had stood by him for many years, also attended the ceremony alongside his family.
President William Ruto led the delegation of national and regional leaders who attended the ceremony.
Also present were former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and several other political figures.
Elsewhere, during the funeral service, Ruto expressed appreciation for Ogeta, pledging to involve him in efforts to safeguard the former Prime Minister's legacy.
Ruto commended Ogeta for his loyalty and years of service, recalling moments from their shared political past under the ODM Party.
"I must thank Raila Odinga's security people, Maurice Ogeta especially. Thank you very much, Maurice, for standing with Raila always. I remember Maurice; in our days of ODM, this Maurice used to wipe our shoes when we came late from campaign," he said.
Ruto promised that the government would ensure Ogeta remains part of the initiatives to honor and preserve Raila’s legacy.
"Maurice, I want to tell you, the Government of Kenya, as we look after Raila's legacy, you too will stand guard with us to look after Raila's legacy," he added.
