Thousands of mourners converged at a national stadium in the Kenyan capital to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in India while receiving medical treatment. The atmosphere was one of profound grief, with many carrying national flags, portraits of the late leader, and wearing T-shirts adorned with his image. Following the service, a public viewing of Odinga's body at Nyayo National Stadium led to some chaos as crowds surged, causing minor injuries, though security forces quickly restored order. Regional leaders, including the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, were present, reflecting Odinga's significant regional influence. Mourners broke into chants, whistles, and songs as his body entered the stadium, notably chanting "Raila usilale, bado mapambano" ('Raila, don't sleep, the struggle is not over'), a symbolic call for his spirit to remain vigilant.

President William Ruto led the nation in a heartfelt tribute to Odinga, whom he described as a transformative leader whose legacy of justice and unity would forever shape Kenya's future. Ruto, reflecting on their complex relationship as both collaborators and competitors, emphasized their shared commitment to a united Kenya. He highlighted Odinga's unwavering dedication to justice, inclusivity, and national unity, noting his tireless efforts as a reformer who endured years of political struggle, imprisonment, and exile not for personal power, but for the service of the nation. President Ruto also shared a poignant moment, leading mourners in singing Odinga’s favorite reggae song, "Jamaican Farewell," a melody he often broke into dance to with a big smile.

Odinga’s family also offered moving tributes. His widow, Ida Odinga, appealed for peace and unity, recalling her husband's aversion to dishonesty and greed. Ida's own history is intertwined with Kenya's political struggles; in September 1988, she was summarily dismissed from her teaching job at Kenya High School and evicted from her home, a punitive action directly linked to her agitation for her husband's release from political detention without trial. This act of political intimidation by the Moi regime highlighted the cost borne by families of dissidents. Despite these immense challenges, Ida Odinga's journey came full circle, as she later became a respected national figure and the wife of the Prime Minister, a testament to her resilience and the political changes in Kenya.

The Odinga children also shared deeply personal reflections. Winnie Odinga revealed that her father took his final breath in her arms and, with characteristic wit, mimicked his infectious laugh, turning a moment of grief into shared warmth. Raila Junior spoke calmly of his father's fight for justice and his family, while Rosemary Odinga expressed her heartbreak, calling him her "pillar" and "peace." Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother, fondly recalled his brother's stubbornness and fierce sense of right and wrong, stating he was the "fire that lit our family." These tributes underscored that the public figure was also a loving and present father, who led with heart and believed in his children.

The funeral arrangements included a period of seven days of national mourning. Earlier on Friday, Odinga's body was taken to parliament for viewing by MPs and dignitaries. On Saturday, his body was transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold in western Kenya, for another public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, before being moved by road to his farm in Bondo for burial on Sunday. This swift burial, ideally within 72 hours of his passing, was in accordance with his personal wishes. To accommodate the surge in travel demand for mourners heading to Kisumu, Kenya Airways significantly increased flight frequencies and upgraded aircraft, with Mr. Odinga's repatriation flight from India symbolically designated 'RAO001'.

Beyond family and political leaders, Odinga’s passing resonated with many others. Musician Emmanuel Musindi, known for the viral political campaign song “Rero ni Rero,” expressed his deep gratitude to Odinga, who catapulted his music career to national fame by using his song in rallies. Musindi remembered Odinga as a compassionate and humble man who supported him personally during a family bereavement. Notably absent from the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium was former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a decision that sparked varied public reactions, with some viewing it as an avoidance of controversy and others as a missed opportunity for national solidarity.