Bondo, Kenya —
Mourners heading to Siaya for the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga should brace for rain, according to a new forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The department’s latest report indicates that Siaya and other parts of western Kenya are expected to experience morning rains and afternoon showers over the next four days, between October 18 and 21.
“There will likely be morning rains and afternoon showers in Bondo during the burial on Sunday,” the weatherman said in the update released Saturday.
Widespread showers across western and Rift Valley
Counties in the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley — including Siaya, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Nakuru, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori and West Pokot — will have alternating spells of rain and sunshine, with thunderstorms expected in some areas.
Daytime temperatures in these regions are forecast to rise to around 31°C, dropping to as low as 9°C at night.
Mixed conditions in central and northern Kenya
In central counties such as Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Murang’a, Embu and Meru, residents can expect cloudy mornings that will give way to sunny intervals and light afternoon showers. Temperatures are likely to range from 29°C during the day to as low as 5°C overnight.
The northern counties of Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Isiolo and Wajir will remain mostly dry, with light rains in isolated areas and daytime temperatures soaring to 37°C.
“Light morning rains may occur in a few places, followed by long sunny intervals,” the report noted.
Samburu and Turkana are expected to see occasional afternoon thunderstorms, though temperatures there will also remain high, averaging 36°C.
Dry conditions in the east and coastal humidity
Eastern and southern counties — including Machakos, Kitui, Kajiado, Makueni and Taita Taveta — will stay mostly sunny and dry, with daytime highs of 33°C and mild nights between 13°C and 15°C.
Meanwhile, the coastal strip from Lamu to Kwale will be warm and humid, with scattered morning showers and daytime temperatures hovering around 32°C to 33°C.
Weather unlikely to dampen farewell mood
While rain is expected, local officials in Siaya say preparations for Raila Odinga’s burial are proceeding as planned. Security officers and organisers have assured mourners that logistical adjustments will be made should showers occur during the ceremony.
The weather may bring a touch of coolness to what promises to be an emotionally charged day — a final farewell to one of Kenya’s most enduring political figures.