A group of Arsenal fans on Sunday, October 26, visited the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
Dressed in Arsenal jerseys and carrying flowers, the supporters made their way to the mausoleum to pay their final respects.
The group gathered around the grave, laid flowers, and sang the Arsenal anthem in his honour.
Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, was a devoted supporter of Arsenal and often expressed his admiration for the team.
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Following his death, AFTV, a popular global platform that brings together Arsenal supporters for discussions and updates, joined Kenyans in mourning his passing.
AFTV remembered Raila as more than just a political figure, but as part of the wider Arsenal family who embodied the spirit of the club’s global fan community.
"Everyone at AFTV is deeply saddened by the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. As a passionate Arsenal supporter and a friend to our community, his warmth and commitment inspired many.
"His legacy will live on, not only among Arsenal fans but across Kenya, where his leadership and love for the game touched countless lives. Rest in peace, Mr Odinga. Thank you for being an incredible part of the Arsenal family," AFTV said in a statement.
Elsewhere, President William Ruto also reflected on Raila's passion for Arsenal during the English Premier League Trophy Tour at State House on Friday, October 24.
He spoke of the light-hearted moments he shared with Raila discussing the club’s fortunes and frustrations in the English Premier League.
"Unfortunately, we lost one of our big Arsenal fans, Raila Odinga, and we really feel that we lost somebody who was always in the game with us. We used to, wherever we were not discussing difficult stuff, we used to discuss how not so well we were doing, but I’m happy that things are looking up," he said.
The visit comes four days after Royal Media Services Chairman SK Macharia visited Bondo to offer his condolences.
Macharia arrived in Bondo in the morning and landed at Raila’s Opoda farm, where he was received by several leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
He proceeded to the gravesite of the late Raila, where he paid his final respects before joining Mama Ida Odinga at their home for a meeting.
Speaking during the visit, Macharia reflected on his long-standing friendship with the Odinga family, which he said dates back to the era of Raila’s father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
"I came to see Ida Odinga. She has been left by her husband, who was also my brother. Our friendship goes back to Jaramogi’s time. He (Jaramogi) told me he had two sons, Oburu and Odinga, and since I was older than both, I should take care of them.
"So when you heard rumours that I am supporting Raila, it's because they're my brothers; they were left to me," he said.
Wanga, who welcomed Macharia to Bondo, expressed deep appreciation for his visit and friendship with the Odinga family over the years.
"We are truly grateful to have been visited today by a great friend of the Jaramogi family and of Baba, SK Macharia. We deeply appreciate that he took the time to come and see where his dear friend has been laid to rest," she said.
