Tears, tributes as Raila's journey ends at Nyayo
National
By
Irene Githinji
| Oct 18, 2025
The country came to a standstill as millions of Kenyans glued themselves to television screens to follow the State funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium. Thousands of mourners and dignitaries filled the stadium to honour a fallen icon.
The solemn day began with full police and military honours, a church service and glowing tributes, marking the beginning of Raila’s final journey to his resting place at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
At dawn, mourners braved the morning chill to enter the stadium where hundreds of security officers maintained order. True to their spirit since the day of his passing, many sang, danced and waved twigs in honour of their hero as preparations continued on the main dais.
The day’s events began with a solemn procession from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings, where Raila’s body briefly lay in state. President William Ruto, among senior officials who paid their last respects, lauded Raila’s decades of service and sacrifice.
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“He was a tireless champion of justice, democracy, and progress, playing a pivotal role in shaping some of our Republic’s most consequential laws, most notably the 2010 Constitution,” Ruto said.
From Parliament, the procession made its way to Nyayo Stadium. Dignitaries including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Sellasie, Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango and South Sudan’s Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng joined ambassadors and representatives from across Africa.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived around 9:30 am, followed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Shortly after, Raila’s wife Ida and their children Winnie, Rosemary and Raila Junior entered the stadium alongside other family members, including Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. They were joined by close allies politician Jimmy Wanjigi and lawyer Willis Otieno, greeted by thunderous cheers.
When President Ruto arrived, the national and East African anthems were played before Raila’s flag-draped casket was wheeled in by military, navy and air force officers, a moment that brought the stadium to an emotional crescendo.
The All Saints Cathedral and St Stephen’s choirs led mourners in solemn hymns, including Abide With Me, as flags, twigs and white handkerchiefs waved in rhythm. The casket was placed on the catafalque near the altar, surrounded by clergy and military officers.
The State funeral service, led by the Anglican Church of Kenya, soon commenced. At times, presiding bishops David Kodia of Bondo, Jonathan Kabiru of Nairobi ACK and Evans Omollo, Provost of All Saints Cathedral, struggled to calm emotional mourners chanting Raila’s name.
“Let us get our seats, my fellow Kenyans. If he were here, he would start by saying ‘Hayaaa,’ and all would be well,” Bishop Kodia urged as chants momentarily subsided. He reminded the crowd that Raila’s dream was for a united Kenya.
Family tributes followed, with Rosemary, Raila Junior, Winnie and Oburu speaking before Ida Odinga delivered a moving tribute.
“Today is not an ordinary day. I know you are all mourning, but Raila always stood for peace. Let us mourn him peacefully so that peace may prevail, here and across the nation,” she said.
Only former President Kenyatta and President Ruto addressed mourners, each celebrating Raila’s legacy and lifelong fight for justice.
After the ceremony ended shortly before 1 pm, thousands queued for a final view of Raila’s body, a process that lasted the entire afternoon.
The body was then returned to Lee Funeral Home.