Emotions Run High During Public Viewing of Raila’s Body at His Opoda Farm in Bondo

Emotions Run High During Public Viewing of Raila’s Body at His Opoda Farm in Bondo

Emotions ran high on Saturday evening as thousands of Kenyans gathered at Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, love, and disbelief as mourners lined up for hours to view the body of the man many called Baba.

At exactly 4:16 p.m., a helicopter carrying Raila’s body touched down at his ancestral home from Mamboleo Showground in Kisumu. His casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, symbolized the national hero’s lifelong dedication to the country he served selflessly.

“He gave his all for Kenya,” one mourner whispered tearfully, clutching a small Kenyan flag.

Family Leads the Way

The public viewing began at 5 p.m., with Raila’s immediate family leading the solemn ceremony. His wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and his brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, approached the casket first, their faces heavy with sorrow and pride.

One by one, family members paid their respects. When Raila Junior stepped forward, he paused momentarily to perform a traditional rite, symbolizing continuity and respect for the family’s deep cultural roots.

“He was not just a father to us but a father to this nation,” a family member said softly.

Leaders Pay Their Last Respects

Soon after, political leaders joined in. Among them were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. They stood in silence, reflecting on the man whose influence shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.

“Raila stood for justice. He taught us courage,” Governor Orengo remarked emotionally.
“His legacy will live forever.”

The atmosphere at Opoda was tense yet reverent. Security officers maintained strict order, allowing mourners to view the body only once before being gently directed away.

Overwhelmed by Grief

As the line of mourners stretched longer, emotions began to overwhelm many. Several individuals fainted upon seeing Raila’s lifeless body lying peacefully in a brown casket.

“I couldn’t stand it,” cried a woman who had traveled from Kisii. “It felt like losing a father again.”

Paramedics on standby quickly rushed to assist. They administered first aid to those who collapsed and carried others away on stretchers. The cries of anguish mixed with songs of praise and the soft hum of prayers, filling the air with an indescribable sorrow.

Final Night at Home

Raila’s body will spend the night at his Opoda Farm, where traditional rituals of farewell are being observed. On Sunday, October 19, he will be laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and liberation hero.

Earlier, on Thursday, Dr. Oburu Odinga led a traditional ceremony known as “tero ywak pacho”, meaning bring the mourning home. This marked the official start of the mourning period in Bondo.

Raila passed away on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India. Initially, the family had planned to bury him next to his mother, Mary Odinga, but later changed the burial site to be beside his father — a symbol of unity in legacy.

“He fought for a better Kenya until his last breath,” said a close ally. “His spirit will never die.”

ALSO READ: George Wajackoyah Emotionally Recalls Living With Odinga Family in London: “I Was Jaramogi’s Food Taster”

Emotions Run High During Public Viewing of Raila’s Body at His Opoda Farm in Bondo