- Raila Odinga’s death in India has seen him join a rare list of nine Kenyan leaders honoured with state funerals
- The recognition places him alongside founding leaders, former presidents, and national icons such as Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, and Wangari Maathai
- The government declared national mourning, with plans for a public viewing, national memorial, and burial at his Bondo home
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Kenya is set to honour the late Raila Amolo Odinga with a state funeral, placing him among the few national figures who have received the rare recognition.
Source: UGC
His inclusion brings the number of Kenyan leaders accorded such honours to nine.
Below is a look at the eight others who were previously accorded state funerals, and why they earned a place in Kenya’s history books.
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1. Jomo Kenyatta
Kenya’s founding president Jomo Kenyatta was the first to receive a state funeral after his death on August 22, 1978.
His passing marked the end of an era that shaped Kenya’s post-independence identity. The government declared a month of mourning as leaders from around the world gathered in Nairobi for the service at Parliament Buildings.
His body lay in state for several days, allowing thousands of Kenyans to pay their last respects. The ceremony combined African traditions with full military honours, symbolising his role in leading the country to independence.
Kenyatta was later buried at a specially built mausoleum next to Parliament.
2. Michael Kijana Wamalwa
Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Kenya’s eighth vice president, died in London in August 2003 while serving under president Mwai Kibaki.
His death came barely eight months after assuming office. The government organised a state funeral attended by regional leaders and dignitaries.
The ceremony reflected Wamalwa’s charm and the hope he had brought to the National Rainbow Coalition government.
His casket was draped in the national flag and escorted by the military to Kitale, where he was buried.
3. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi
Kenya’s second president, Daniel Arap Moi, died on February 4, 2020. He ruled the country for 24 years, making him the longest-serving head of state.
The government declared a national mourning period of several days, culminating in a military-led state funeral.
The service took place at Nyayo Stadium with full military honours, including a 19-gun salute and flypast.
Dignitaries from across Africa attended. Moi was later buried at his Kabarak home, where the state accorded final honours led by the Kenya Defence Forces.
4. Mwai Kibaki
Mwai Kibaki, Kenya’s third president, died on April 21, 2022. His tenure is remembered for economic reforms and the expansion of infrastructure and education.
A state funeral was held at Nyayo Stadium attended by local and foreign dignitaries, including former African heads of state.
His body lay in state at Parliament Buildings for three days as thousands of Kenyans filed past to view it. Kibaki was buried at his Othaya home in Nyeri county with military honours, closing the chapter on one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
5. Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, died in September 2011 after a long battle with cancer.
The Kenyan government honoured her with a state funeral in recognition of her lifelong environmental and human-rights advocacy.
Her service at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi drew international guests and civil-society figures who celebrated her global influence.
In line with her environmental values, she was cremated and her ashes interred at the Wangari Maathai Institute within the University of Nairobi.
6. Lucy Kibaki
Former first lady Lucy Kibaki, wife of Kibaki, passed away in April 2016 in London. The government accorded her a state funeral, acknowledging her public service and contribution to social causes.
Her body lay in state at the Consolata Shrine, where mourners from across the country paid tribute to her dedication to women and children’s welfare.
The burial in Othaya, Nyeri County, was attended by national leaders and former heads of state.
7. Mukami Kimathi
Mukami Kimathi, widow of Mau Mau freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, died in May 2023.
The state honoured her for her resilience and contribution to Kenya’s independence struggle.
Her funeral took place in Nyandarua county, attended by President William Ruto and senior government officials.
She was buried next to her husband’s symbolic grave, with the ceremony reflecting the government’s acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by liberation heroes.
8. Phoebe Asiyo
Veteran politician and women’s rights champion Phoebe Asiyo died in July at age 93.
The government announced that she would be accorded a state funeral for her decades of public service and advocacy for gender equality.
Her funeral drew leaders from across political divides who celebrated her contribution to women’s representation in Parliament and national governance.
Asiyo’s burial in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay county, highlighted her legacy as a pioneer for women’s empowerment.
9. Raila Amolo Odinga
The announcement of a state funeral for Raila Odinga followed his death on October 15, while undergoing treatment in India.
His passing marked the end of a political era that spanned over four decades.
In his address to the country, President William Ruto announced that the ODM leader will be accorded a state funeral with full military honours. The head of state added that during Raila’s funeral, all state protocols will be rendered and observed.
Source: Twitter
What you need to know about Raila’s death
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
