On Sunday, thousands of Kenyans and mourners from all walks of life descended on Bondo Constituency, Siaya County to lay to rest the fallen former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga at their family home.
Mourners converged at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, for a funeral service before a private burial ceremony alongside traditional rites was held.
The opposition leader who was revered both in life and after his death was given a 17-gun salute as he was laid to rest at their family home.
Odinga, who died on October 15 in Kochi, India, aged 80, received full military honors in recognition of his pivotal role in Kenya’s political evolution and decades-long struggle for democracy and justice.
According to Kenya’s military tradition, a 21-gun salute is reserved for a sitting president, while former presidents receives a 19 gun salute.
The military accorded Odinga a 17 gun salute, underscoring his exceptional stature as a national leader and statesman.
Odinga was buried next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his mother, Mary Ajuma’s graves at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
He’s remains were lowered into the grave a few minutes to 5 p.m. in a private ceremony only attended by members of his family, top government dignitaries, and tens of the guests from the burial ceremony earlier in the day.
President William Ruto led the State Funeral joined by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other top dignitaries.
Odinga died aged 80 after collapsing last Wednesday in India, where he was undergoing treatment.
Sunday’s burial was per his wish that he be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death.
After the burial ceremony, mourners proceeded to carry out the ‘Tero buru’ to cleanse the homestead after Raila Odinga’s burial.
