Why Raila was accorded a state funeral and what it means

President William Ruto declared a state funeral for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the highest honour the nation can accord a citizen.

In his announcement, President Ruto said the decision reflected Raila’s standing as a national leader, his service to the country, and his influence beyond politics.

President Ruto justified the decision to accord Raila a state funeral in honour of his immense contributions to the country’s political and democratic journey during his tenure as MP and as the Prime Minister.

“For 20 years, our departed leader, Raila served the people of Lang’ata Constituency with unwavering dedication as their MP,” Ruto posted.

The President went on to applaud Raila as a “tireless champion of justice, democracy and progress.”

“He played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in our Republic’s history, most notably the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his tenure as Kenya’s Prime Minister,” said the President.

Ruto added: “It is, therefore, most fitting that he lies-in-state at the August House, granting the three arms of government and the nation a solemn moment to honour with reverence and gratitude the life and legacy of a true patriot and statesman.”

But what does a state funeral mean, and what does it entail?

A state funeral is a publicly funded formal ceremony by the government to honour a person of national significance.

A state funeral is reserved for sitting or former presidents, deputy presidents, chief justices, speakers of Parliament, or any Kenyan who has made an exceptional contribution to the nation.

State funerals feature military honours where the deceased may be accorded a guard of honour, a salute, and pallbearers drawn from the armed forces.

After the declaration of a state funeral, like it happened in the case of Raila, several formal procedures follow including a national mourning period, public body viewing, military honours, a funeral service where official eulogies are delivered, and burial arrangements including transportation at both the funeral service and burial site.

Under military honours, the coffin is draped in the Kenyan flag which is a sign of national gratitude and dignity.

Raila’s body lay-in-state at the Parliament Buildings on Friday to allow officials from the three arms of government—executive, legislature and judiciary—including the President, Cabinet Secretaries, Speakers, legislators, the Chief Justice among others.

After viewing at Parliament, the body was moved to the stadium under full military ceremonial escort.

However, the lying-in-state was supposed to happen on Thursday and a public viewing scheduled at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.

However, the public viewing was held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Thursday and another one at Nyayo Stadium to allow citizens, dignitaries and foreign guests to pay their respects.

During the seven-day mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast across all public buildings and embassies in honour of Raila as stipulated in the protocols.

Besides former and retired Presidents the late Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, and Mwai Kibaki, other people who have been accorded the honours include former Chief of Defence Forces the late General Francis Ogolla, former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa, former First Lady Lucy Kibaki, and Mukami Kimathi, widow of Mau Mau freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai.

Dudley Ochiel, a constitutional lawyer, said according Raila a state funeral is perfectly constitutional as it speaks to the principle of honouring the cultural heritage, the heroes and the country’s history.

“It is a preserve of statesmen and Raila was truly one. Raila influenced a lot in his lifetime and his impact will be felt for generations to come. I think the honour was truly befitting,” said Ochiel.

In state funerals, the main funeral service is typically held at a large venue, such as Nyayo Stadium in the case of Raila Odinga’s, to accommodate the public.

Family members, political figures, and religious leaders are allowed to give their tributes as the public follow the events live on broadcast to ensure national participation.

The tributes include speeches, prayers, and cultural performances that reflect the life and legacy of the deceased.

The final rites will include the lowering of the casket, a last salute, and the presentation of the national flag to the family.

Ultimately, a state funeral serves not only as a farewell but also as a moment of national reflection and unity, celebrating the life of a person who helped shape Kenya’s history.

In essence, a state funeral is both a final farewell and a moment for the nation to reflect and unite in honouring a person whose life helped shape Kenya’s history.

However, in his lifetime, Raila was entitled to perks on the basis of being a retired Prime Minister as stipulated under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act 2015.

The law provides that a retired Prime Minister is entitled to a monthly pension equal to eighty per cent of the monthly salary of the entitled person's last monthly salary while in office, a lump sum payment on retirement, calculated as a sum equal to one year's salary paid for each term served in office.

Having served as a Prime Minister, Raila was also entitled to two saloon vehicles of an engine capacity not exceeding 2000cc which were replaceable once every four years, a four-wheel drive vehicle of an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc replaceable once every four years.

He also received a fuel allowance equal to fifteen per cent of the current monthly salary of the office holder, full medical and hospital cover providing for local and overseas treatment, with a reputable insurance company covering him, his spouse, and any child below 18 years or under 25 years and in full-time education.

The Act also provides that if the retired Prime Minister has a female child, she is entitled to the medical cover if she is not married or is not cohabiting with any person.

Other benefits Odinga was entitled to include a workforce comprising three drivers, one personal assistant, one accountant, two secretaries, two housekeepers, two senior support staff, two gardeners, two cooks and two cleaners.

In his lifetime, he was also entitled to armed security guards on request, diplomatic passports for him and his spouse.

Others were a private office and office equipment, maintenance expenses for the vehicles, and access to VIP lounges at all airports within Kenya.