Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, October 20, paid a visit to the family of Raila Odinga, just a day after the former Prime Minister was laid to rest in Bondo, Siaya County.
In a statement, the Office of the 4th President of Kenya said Uhuru also visited the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum where other members of the Odinga family are buried.
"A day after the burial of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, former President Uhuru Kenyatta visited the Odinga family at Opoda Farm and Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where the former Premier was laid to rest.
"The former Head of State condoled with the family and paid tribute to the life and legacy of his longtime friend and compatriot. Kenyatta also visited the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum to honor the memory of the Odinga family’s enduring contribution to Kenya’s history and democracy," the statement read.
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Photos from the visit showed Uhuru warmly received by members of the Odinga family, including Raila's widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and Raila's elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
Raila 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.
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 Uhuru, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and several other political figures.
Speaking during Raila's state funeral on Friday, October 17, Uhuru left the crowd cheerful and laughing after sharing a story of light moments he shared with Raila.
He recalled intimate moments when he and Raila would unwind after work, sharing what he playfully described as a 'small thing'.
"I have a short story. You know, sometimes after work, Raila and I just chill, we would be given a small thing -'drink,'" Uhuru said, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Sensing the audience's reaction, he quickly clarified, "Why are you laughing? By small things, I mean porridge and tea."
The humorous moment provided a glimpse into the personal friendship that developed between the two leaders following their historic 2018 Handshake, which ended months of political tension after the disputed 2017 presidential election.
Uhuru revealed that during these relaxed moments, he and Raila would often reflect on the legendary African leaders who came before them and wonder what they might think of their efforts.
"We would wonder about all those who came before us. Julius Nyerere, Jaramogi Oginga, Jomo Kenyatta. And we would wonder what they talk about when they look down on us? Do they laugh at the things we are doing, at the plans we make as we try to accomplish things? That is what we would ask ourselves," he added.
Uhuru imagined Raila now among those great leaders they used to discuss, engaging in conversations with the icons of Africa's liberation struggle.
"Now I'm wondering if my brother, Raila, has left before me. I know you are already in conversation. What are you saying to them? I'm in no rush to join you, but I pray to God to keep us long," he further said.
