Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga was laid to rest on October 19, 2025, at his father’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. The solemn ceremony, marked by military honors, profound emotion, and a rare display of political unity, saw thousands gather to bid farewell to a leader widely regarded as a titan in Kenya's struggle for democracy and development. The atmosphere at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, where the main funeral service was held, was filled with tears, silence, and heartfelt tributes.

Despite never having served as president, Raila Odinga was accorded a State funeral with significant military honors, a decision championed by President William Ruto. The President declared a seven-day mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast. Upon his return from India, where he passed away, Odinga’s body received a water cannon salute at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a gesture typically reserved for State receptions. His body lay in state at the Parliament Buildings, guarded by uniformed officers, and was transported by a Kenya Air Force C-27J Spartan, a VVIP aircraft, escorted by a military helicopter. The burial itself was marked by a 17-gun salute by the Kenya Defence Forces, adhering to military protocol for a retired Prime Minister or equivalent stature. This honor, as President Ruto noted, was a tribute to a statesman whose impact transcended any single office.

Family members shared deeply personal and moving eulogies. His elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, recalled Raila as a caring yet principled child, brave enough to defy their strict father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and a teacher who unfairly punished him. Oburu recounted Raila's brilliance in school, his love for sports (athletics, football, being a patron of Gor Mahia, and an ardent Arsenal fan), and his unwavering courage during political detention, notably during the 1982 attempted coup. Oburu tearfully remembered seeing Raila in a black death-row uniform at Kamiti Prison, only for Raila to laugh and declare, “This is nothing. All this will pass.” He also expressed profound gratitude to President Ruto for his support during Raila's illness and death, including arranging his transport for treatment in India.

Ida Betty Odinga, Raila’s widow, delivered an emotional tribute that also served as a rallying call for national development. She lamented that Kenya has lagged behind countries like South Korea and Thailand, which were once its peers at independence. Drawing from her 1995 visit to China, she highlighted that nation's remarkable transformation as an example Kenya could emulate through hard work, determination, and focus. Ida challenged Kenyan leaders to prioritize national wealth and development for future generations over personal enrichment, embodying Odinga's lifelong struggle for justice, equality, and progress.

Raila's children also shared poignant memories. Emily Anyango, his sister, described him as a man who embraced courage and pursued causes larger than himself, noting that his life was defined by the fight for democracy rather than high office. Raila Odinga Junior, dressed in white to symbolize peace, brought warmth to the ceremony, recalling his father’s 'vitendawili,' songs, laughter, stories, and dances, and even joked that his father had given them an “Easter holiday in October.” Ruth Odinga, visibly emotional, described her brother as a friend and comrade who suffered for the country and died “still crying for Kenya,” urging ODM supporters to remain united. Rosemary Odinga expressed gratitude to mourners, while Akinyi Wenwa, Jaramogi's eldest daughter, reminisced about Raila's caring nature and love for news.

Political leaders from across the divide united in their tributes. President William Ruto revealed that Raila envisioned a prosperous Kenya and discussed strategies for development, including the revitalization of nuclear energy and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi praised Raila's courage, resilience, and unrelenting pursuit of justice, noting his charisma and unwavering belief in Kenya's ideals. ODM leaders, including Senators Ledama Ole Kina and Millie Odhiambo, and Governors Gladys Wanga, Simba Arati, and Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, reiterated their commitment to party unity and Odinga's vision, with some pledging unwavering loyalty to their late leader in the broad-based government formed with President Ruto. Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, and Opiyo Wandayi also pledged loyalty, recounting how Odinga had mentored them and encouraged them to serve the nation diligently.

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) mourned Raila Odinga as a devoted and faithful member. ACK Bondo Diocese Bishop David Kodia revealed that Odinga’s baptism was approved through the intervention of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he would be buried as an Anglican. Bishop Emeritus Joseph Otieno Wasonga described Odinga as a champion of gender equality and a man who detested gender-based violence, urging Kenyans to remember his compassion and dedication.

The burial rites, conducted under Anglican tradition, were simple and dignified, aligning with Odinga’s wishes against extravagance. After the casket was lowered, his signature hat and whisk, symbols of his political identity and authority, were placed atop, marking the end of an era. While some elders like Mzee Thomas Achando differed, arguing these items should have been preserved as heritage at the Jaramogi Museum, their placement served as a powerful final tribute to a man whose legacy will continue to shape Kenya’s political landscape. Raila Odinga now rests at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, beside his father Jaramogi, mother Mary Ajuma, brother Ogolla, and son Fidel Castro, completing a circle of blood and struggle beneath the Luo sky.