- Oburu Odinga, the elder brother of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, shared updates concerning his sibling’s burial
- The Siaya county Senator announced while addressing mourners in Bondo, making slight changes to the earlier burial arrangements
- The new updates did not sit well with several Kenyans, who shared mixed reactions in the post’s comment section
A few customary changes have been made regarding the burial of political leader Raila Amolo Odinga.
Source: Facebook
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader passed away in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.
When will Raila be buried?
He died at the age of 80 on Wednesday, October 15, leaving Kenyans covered with a cloud of sorrow and pain.
It was his request to be buried 72 hours after his death, a wish that will be fulfilled as he is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19.
Raila had requested to be buried next to his mother, who rests in the family cemetery alongside other loved ones.
While many hoped to attend the burial of the iconic figure at his home in Siaya county, the family has announced new details.
Who is Oburu Odinga?
Oburu Odinga, the late Raila’s elder brother, shared fresh updates concerning the highly anticipated ceremony while addressing mourners in Bondo.
“We will give Raila a dignified send-off which he deserves, as a dignified son of this land. The programme will end with a burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and then later on, Raila will be buried next to our mum and dad… in a private burial ceremony which will be attended only by a few people,” he said.
A state funeral is expected to be held in honour of the iconic figure before he is granted a befitting send-off.
The state funeral will be attended by several dignitaries and VVIPs, including some from outside the country, as reported by Citizen TV Kenya.
Where will Raila be buried?
After the event, Raila’s body will be moved to his residential home in Karen, where it will stay overnight.
The following day, the politician’s body will leave for Kisumu County ahead of public viewing at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
Later, all roads will lead to Bondo, Siaya county, where the body will stay overnight before the burial day.
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) will have the honor of conducting Raila’s burial on Sunday according to its traditions.
Kenyans react to Raila’s burial plans by family
Social media users reacted to the news as they shared their opinions in the comment section of the post.
Andy Isaac:
“That’s exactly how it should be. After a lifetime lived in the public eye, Baba deserves a quiet, dignified farewell surrounded by only those who truly knew his heart. The man gave himself to Kenya for decades; the least we can give him now is peace and privacy in his final rest.”
Wangui Kimani:
“Depends on the interpretation of ‘few people.’ Remember, one million people can be few compared to trillions of people.”
Abednego Hamisi:
“Whether few people or more, at the end of the day he will stand buried. We are mortal. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we shall return. Let’s believe in the sovereign God who lives forever.”
Peter Kimz Kimaa:
“Was he a leader to private people? He was a leader to all Kenyans, and whoever is willing has a right to attend the burial.”
Source: Facebook
What you need to know about Raila
Video shows where Raila would be buried
A TikTok video emerged showing where Raila will finally be laid to rest by his family and the few mourners.
The video captured the family cemetery where the late’s father and Kenya’s first Prime Minister, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was buried.
He was laid to rest next to his first wife, while other loved ones, including Raila’s firstborn son, Fidel Castro Odinga, were also buried nearby.
Several tombstones could be seen, marking the graves of those who were close to Raila.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
