The passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on October 15, 2025, in India, marked the end of an epic political saga and triggered a period of national mourning that saw both official state protocol and deep-seated cultural rites come to the forefront. Odinga, affectionately known as Baba and Agwambo, was a towering figure who shaped Kenya's politics for over four decades, revered as a unifier, reformist, and pro-democracy champion.

Cultural traditions played a significant role in guiding the community through the grieving process for a respected Luo elder and leader. Immediately following the announcement of his death, green twigs, known in Dholuo as okumba, appeared across the country, displayed on vehicles and carried by mourners. This act is a powerful and long-standing Luo method of signaling a community in mourning, a public declaration of grief, and a symbolic gesture of walking with the spirit of the deceased in a final, shared journey.

At his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, elders performed the Tero Buru ceremony, a ritual reserved for a respected male elder or leader. Translating to 'driving of the bull,' this dramatic ceremony involves a procession, often with a bull, around the homestead accompanied by traditional chants, songs, and drumming. It serves as both a cleansing rite to sweep away the shadow of death and a powerful celebration of the leader's life and legacy. The bull symbolizes strength and leadership, and the dust ('buru') raised signifies the commotion and significance of the life lived. Another important custom, Tero Yuok, refers to the formal announcement and spreading of the news of a death, traditionally done through high-pitched wailing by women to officially begin the communal mourning period.

The State Funeral for Odinga was a massive undertaking, drawing thousands of mourners and dignitaries. After his body arrived back in Kenya from Mumbai, India, on October 16, 2025, crowds stormed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), disrupting the convoy and leading to chaos. A planned public viewing at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025, also faced overwhelming numbers, with further attempts at viewing at Kasarani Stadium leading to teargas deployment, resulting in at least four deaths and numerous injuries. The overwhelming grief highlighted the deep reverence many held for Odinga, with supporters struggling to believe in his mortality.

The main State Funeral Service was held at a packed Nyayo National Stadium on October 17, 2025. President William Ruto led the nation in bidding farewell, joined by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and numerous foreign dignitaries, including Ethiopian President Taye Selassie, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzania's Vice President Philip Isdor Mpango, South Sudan's Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng, and Rwanda's Interior Minister Vincent Biruta. Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete was also in attendance, having brokered the peace deal that led to Kenya's Grand Coalition Government in 2007.

In his emotional address, President Ruto paid glowing tribute to Odinga, whom he described as his 'mentor.' He reflected on their shared journey, recalling moments of rivalry and cooperation that reaffirmed their patriotism. Midway through his speech, Ruto broke into song, performing notes from Harry Belafonte's 'Jamaican Farewell,' an Odinga favorite. Ruto emphasized Odinga's role as a generational leader, unyielding in his pursuit of justice, reform, and inclusivity, stating, “There was, and there can only be, one Raila Amolo Odinga.”

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also delivered a witty and heartfelt eulogy, sharing fond recollections of private moments with Odinga, including humorous anecdotes about Odinga always paying the tab during their informal meetups. Kenyatta lauded Odinga's central role in his final term in office and urged Kenyans to protect the democratic ideals and freedoms that defined Odinga’s decades-long struggle. He pledged to stand with Odinga's widow, Mama Ida Odinga, who he praised for her strength and resilience.

Odinga's family offered poignant tributes. His daughter Winnie Odinga clarified that her father, despite receiving medical treatment in India, died in her arms after showing signs of improvement. She recounted his strength in his final moments, managing five rounds of walking that morning, and reflected on his numerous nicknames given by Kenyans. She also broke into 'Jamaica Farewell,' recalling his perseverance. Raila Odinga Jr. spoke of missing Arsenal matches with his father, describing him as a man of resilience and commitment to justice, while Rosemary Odinga remembered him as a mentor, friend, and a leader who listened.

Mama Ida Odinga appealed for peace during the mourning period, reflecting on their 52 years of marriage and her husband's emphasis on peace and unity. She shared the stories behind their children’s names: Fidel Castro Odinga (after the Cuban leader), Rosemary Odinga (after their mothers), Raila Odinga Jr. (after a family friend), and Winnie Odinga (after Winnie Mandela). Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who formally accepted the ODM nomination as interim party leader, lightened the mood by introducing his two wives and vowed to carry forward his exceptional brother's vision.

Opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, expressed disappointment at being sidelined during the state funeral, arguing that the official opposition should have been formally recognized. Musyoka paid tribute to Odinga's courage and commitment to justice, acknowledging him as the architect of modern Kenyan democracy who championed devolution and good governance. He also praised Bishop David Kodia's sermon that castigated looters and corrupt leaders, reflecting the nation's frustration.

Logistically, Kenya Airways increased flights to Kisumu to accommodate travel demand. Odinga's body, after the public viewing at Nyayo Stadium, was returned to Lee Funeral Home for preservation, rather than an overnight vigil at his Karen residence, due to security and logistical challenges. It was then airlifted to Kisumu on October 18, 2025, for a public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, before a procession to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where he was laid to rest on October 19, 2025, at Kang'o ka Jaramogi.

The mourning period was not without incident. In Homa Bay Town, a police officer was arrested after allegedly shooting dead a female hawker during a protest by Odinga's supporters. Separately, Lengo Karisa Mdzomba, who had caned Odinga at a public gathering in 2014, sought a final