The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, for public viewing, marking a solemn moment in Kenya’s national mourning. The body was airlifted from Kisumu International Airport to the stadium, a move that caught many of his supporters by surprise. Thousands had camped at the airport expecting the convoy to travel by road. Raila’s remains arrived in Kisumu early Saturday morning aboard a military helicopter, which touched down at 7:20 a.m. under tight security. Security agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service, have been…
Author: David Wafula
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been airlifted from the Kisumu International Airport to the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo for public viewing. This development came as a surprise to many of his supporters who had camped at the airport expecting the convoy to travel by road. Raila’s body arrived in Kisumu on Saturday morning aboard a military helicopter, which touched down at 7:20 a.m. under tight security. Security agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service, have been deployed to maintain order and ensure safety during the public viewing. Authorities have…
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has arrived in Kisumu aboard a military helicopter, marking a solemn and historic moment for the lakeside city and the nation. The aircraft touched down at 7:20 a.m. under tight security, with military personnel overseeing the transfer of the casket to Mamboleo Stadium — the designated venue for public viewing. A short interfaith prayer service will precede the viewing, allowing mourners to pay their final respects in a peaceful and orderly manner. Religious leaders from different denominations will lead prayers before the public is allowed to view the body throughout the day.…
The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight stay as earlier planned. In a statement released Friday evening, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale said the body will instead be returned to Lee Funeral Home for preservation in preparation for airlifting to Kisumu on the morning of Saturday, October 18, 2025. “The National Funeral Committee wishes to announce to the public that due to unavoidable circumstances, the body of H.E. the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for overnight stay…
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has alleged that there are plans to attack him ahead of the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In a statement shared on his social media pages, Babu said he is aware of those behind the alleged plot and urged for peace during the funeral period. “There are plans to attack me on or before the day of Baba’s burial. I am aware of the culprits behind the scheme. It is my prayer that we give Baba the befitting send-off that he deserves, devoid of unwarranted violence,” Babu wrote. The outspoken legislator,…
Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, moved mourners on Friday as she opened up about her family’s personal life, sharing the special meanings behind the names of her four children. Speaking at Nyayo Stadium during the state funeral, Ida reflected with emotion and nostalgia on the moments that shaped her family’s history, revealing how each name represented love, memory, and the ideals that defined her husband’s legacy. Ida, who was married to Raila for 52 years, began by recalling the story of their firstborn son, Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga. She admitted that she was…
The crowd at Nyayo Stadium erupted in laughter and later fell silent as former President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his state funeral on Friday. Uhuru recalled the many intimate and reflective moments he shared with Raila, painting a picture of friendship that went beyond politics. “Sometimes after work, we would sit together, talking and laughing,” Uhuru said, smiling as he addressed mourners. “I once asked him — those old men who died before us, Jaramogi and Jomo — when they sit, what do they discuss? I said they must…
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has paid a moving tribute to his younger brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recalling his brilliance, discipline, and warmth long before he became a political icon. Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday during the national memorial service, Oburu shared childhood memories that painted a deeply personal picture of Raila as not just a leader, but a loving brother, an excellent student, and even a skilled cook. “He was a good cook. And he was always number one in class,” Oburu said, drawing laughter and admiration from the thousands who had gathered to…
A heartbroken Ida Odinga on Friday urged Kenyans to honour the memory of her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, by embracing forgiveness, rejecting greed, and upholding peace — values she said defined his life and leadership. Speaking at Nyayo Stadium during the national memorial service, Mama Ida said her husband had always believed that peace was the most valuable gift Kenyans could give one another. “Don’t carry grudges from one generation to another,” she pleaded. “We are all Kenyans, and we must learn to forgive easily and build a together Kenya.” She added that Raila consistently preached unity…
Rosemary Odinga, daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has spoken of the deep pain and emptiness her family continues to feel following her father’s death. Speaking on Friday, October 17, during the state funeral service held in honour of the veteran politician, Rosemary emotionally recounted the moment she learned of her father’s passing from her brother, Raila Odinga Jr. “I remember the day I received the message. I was seated at the table, just finished my breakfast, and then my brother Raila Odinga Jr. called me and asked where I was,” she said. “I told him I…
Winnie Odinga, the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, moved mourners to tears with an emotional tribute to her father, describing him as both her “Dad and superhero.” Speaking during the State Funeral Service at Nyayo National Stadium, Winnie shared heartfelt memories of the man who shaped her life through love, wisdom, and courage. “I don’t know who I’ll miss more — my Dad or my superhero,” she began, her voice trembling as the crowd fell silent. “I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my Dad. Only three other human beings were…
Kenya Airways has increased the number of flights to Kisumu over the weekend as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga is expected to be transported to the lakeside city tomorrow. In a statement posted on X, the national carrier said it had added flights to accommodate the rising travel demand ahead of Raila’s arrival. “We’ve increased our flight frequency to Kisumu over the weekend to accommodate the high travel demand,” the airline announced. According to Kenya Airways, additional flights will operate on Friday, October 17, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., while on Saturday, October 18, flights…
President William Ruto has explained why the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga lies-in-state at Parliament Buildings, also known as the August House. In a statement shared on social media after paying his last respects to the late leader on Friday morning, President Ruto said Raila’s long and distinguished service as a Member of Parliament made Parliament the most fitting place to honour him. “For fifteen years, our departed leader, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, served the people of Kibera Constituency with unwavering dedication and distinction as their Member of Parliament,” Ruto stated. He added that during his…
Former President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete and Tanzanian Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango have arrived in Kenya to pay their last respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. They were received early Friday morning at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by former Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka. “This morning at JKIA, I had the honour of welcoming former President of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, and the Vice President, H.E. Dr. Philip Mpango, who came to Nairobi to pay their last respects to their dear brother and friend, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH. Their presence shows just…
President William Ruto has arrived at Parliament Buildings, where the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga lies in State. The Head of State was received by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. He was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto. President Ruto viewed the body and paid his last respects to the late ODM leader, who is being accorded full state honours. The body of Raila Odinga is expected to be moved to Nyayo National Stadium later this morning for the State Funeral Service. The casket will depart Parliament after all dignitaries, including the…