KISUMU, Kenya – The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga will be airlifted from Kisumu to Bondo, Siaya County, this evening for a night vigil at his Opoda home ahead of his burial on Sunday.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo confirmed that the body will not be transported by road as initially planned, citing logistical and security considerations.
“The body of the former Prime Minister will be flown directly to Bondo. We want to make sure the transition from Kisumu to his home is done smoothly and respectfully,” Omollo said.
The decision, he added, followed consultations between the National Funeral Steering Committee and the Odinga family to ensure the late opposition leader receives a dignified and well-coordinated state farewell.
Public viewing of Raila’s body at the Mamboleo Stadium was scheduled to end at 3 p.m., but Dr. Omollo said the timeline could be extended depending on the size of the crowd.
“We are looking at the possibility of extending the viewing hours to ensure all mourners get a chance to pay their final respects. We want to assure Kenyans that no one will be left out,” he said.
Call for Peace and Unity
Dr. Omollo urged mourners to maintain peace and calm during the final days of national mourning, noting that Raila championed unity throughout his political life.
“Raila cherished peace and unity. As Kenyans, it is our duty to honour his legacy by ensuring peace throughout the mourning period, both here in Kisumu and in Bondo,” he said.
He further assured Raila’s supporters that they remain safe under the leadership of President William Ruto, urging them to continue supporting the government.
“The former Premier left us in the hands of President Ruto. You’re safe there, and we should continue working with the government,” he said.
According to Dr. Omollo, Raila strongly supported the broad-based government, and his followers, particularly in Nyanza, should carry forward that spirit.
Final Journey to Bondo
Upon arrival in Bondo, the body will be taken to Opoda Farm for a night vigil, where thousands of mourners, clergy, and dignitaries are expected to gather ahead of Sunday’s funeral service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
Only family members and a few invited dignitaries will attend the private burial, but the ceremony will be streamed live for mourners at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University and broadcast across national media platforms.
Unprecedented Outpouring
Dr. Omollo praised the massive turnout of mourners since Raila’s body arrived in Kisumu, calling it “a historic show of love and respect.”
“We have to agree that in the history of this country, there has never been a farewell of this magnitude. This is Raila’s send-off, and it shows the impact he had on generations of Kenyans,” he said.
Security has been heightened across Kisumu and Siaya counties, with the Kenya Defence Forces and National Police Service coordinating movement and crowd control to ensure order during the high-profile farewell.
