- CS Opiyo Wandayi explained the reason for visiting the grave of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga
- Raila was buried after 72 hours according to his will, a period which deprived Kenyans of an opportunity to mourn him better
- The visit sparked emotional reactions from a section of Kenyans, with many calling on leaders to allow the Odinga family time to heal
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi has visited the family of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga to pay his respects to the fallen statesman.
Source: Facebook
Raila, the longtime ODM leader and celebrated national figure, died on October 15, 2025, in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk.
In accordance with his wishes, he was buried within 72 hours, a decision that deprived the country of a longer mourning period.
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Since his sudden death, mourners have continued to stream into Kang’o Ka Jaramogi and lay wreaths where he was laid to rest.
This aligns with the Luo tradition where an elder of Raila’s stature is mourned for at least 40 days, during which leaders, relatives, and friends gather to console the family, reflect on his legacy, and carry forward his vision.
What message did Wandayi leave late Raila with?
On Christmas Day, CS Wandayi, accompanied by several ODM leaders, visited the Odinga homestead.
He was received by Raila’s widow and his son, Raila Junior, before laying his tribute at the gravesite.
“Honoured to pay homage to our departed leader, the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, at Kang’o Kaj Jaramogi, Bondo Constituency, to pay my respects and tribute to our fallen hero. Keep resting in peace, Baba,” he said.
Photos taken at the site showed dried wreaths alongside fresh ones adorned with Kenyan flags, symbolising the continued flow of visitors paying homage.
Wandayi’s gesture was praised by many as a timely show of respect, though some voices urged leaders to allow Raila to rest in peace, noting that his memory will remain indelible in the hearts of Kenyans.
Kenyans react after Wandayi visits Raila’s grave
George Hannington Ojwaya
“Let’s give this family time to heal yawa… That said, we will never stop mourning.”
Eden Hazard
“Raila Odinga was truly a heavy man. Even in his grave, people still use his name to push their personal agenda. RIP Raila Odinga.”
Rayton Omemo
“Kwani ni kila siku? Wacheni mzee apumzike.”
Moses Christopher
“Wacha RAO apumuzike kwa amani tutamukumbuka kila kizazi adi mwisho wa dunia.”
Hon Lameck Matara Mokaya
“It’s so painful to us, Baba’s supporters. 2025 is the first Christmas without Agwambo.”
Harun Mwangi KE ·
“Yet you’re busy advancing an agenda to cripple the ODM party to please the current master and the appointing authority. Kuna watu wamekula deposit ya kuuza or kusambaratisha chungwa juu mzee ameenda.”
Source: Facebook
Are ODM leaders defaming Raila?
Meanwhile, following Raila’s demise, his sister and Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga claimed that some leaders and members of the ODM party have begun defaming him.
She urged for respect for the late politician while also urging party members to remain committed to strengthening ODM beyond what Raila left.
Her remarks came amid growing tension within ODM, with some officials aligning themselves with the president ahead of 2027.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
