The lakeside town of Bondo is preparing for one of the most significant farewells in Kenya’s history — the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
By Saturday evening, every detail for Sunday’s service had been finalised. From the freshly arranged seating at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) to the banners bearing Raila’s familiar image, the air was heavy with emotion and reverence.
Local leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu’s Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, spent the day inspecting the venue, ensuring all was set for what is expected to be a massive turnout of mourners. “This is not just a funeral; it’s the closing of a historic chapter,” one official remarked quietly as workers adjusted the sound system under the afternoon sun.
Raila’s body, draped in the Kenyan flag, was flown into Bondo late Saturday after a day of public viewing in Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta Stadium. Thousands had streamed into the stadium throughout the day, singing liberation songs and waving miniature flags as they paid their final respects to the man many knew simply as Baba.
The helicopter carrying his body touched down at Opoda Farm at exactly 4:16 p.m. A hush fell over the crowd before wails and vuvuzelas filled the air. The Odinga family, led by Mama Ida and Dr Oburu Oginga, received the casket in a moment steeped in grief and dignity.
“Raila’s send-off must reflect who he was — a statesman, a unifier, and a son of Kenya,” said Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, confirming that the earlier plan to transport the body by road had been abandoned for security and logistical reasons.
He added that the government and family had worked closely to ensure the transition from Kisumu to Bondo went smoothly. “We wanted a process that honours his stature and keeps the public safe,” Omollo said.
The former Prime Minister will be laid to rest on Sunday at the family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga — Kenya’s first Vice President and the patriarch of the Odinga family.
Tonight, a vigil at Opoda Farm will see family, friends, and thousands of mourners gather in song and prayer. Local choirs, clergy, and community elders are expected to lead tributes deep into the night — a final act of love for a man whose name is woven into the story of Kenya’s struggle for democracy.
As night fell over Bondo, the lights of Opoda Farm glimmered across the fields. Tomorrow, they will dim again — this time, to mark the final rest of a man who carried both the hopes and heartbreaks of a nation.