Former United States President Barack Obama has penned a heartfelt tribute eulogizing former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Obama hailed Odinga as a true champion of democracy, a child of independence who endured decades of struggle and made significant sacrifices for freedom and self-governance in Kenya. He personally witnessed Odinga repeatedly prioritize national interests over his own ambitions, choosing peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values to navigate political crises and advance national unity. Obama celebrated Odinga's global legacy as an astute defender of democracy and good governance, stating that he set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. Michelle and he extended their deepest condolences to Odinga's family and the people of Kenya.

Kenyans initially questioned Obama's silence following Odinga's death, expressing expectations for a prompt condolence message. Many took to social media to pressure the former U.S. President, with some noting the global coverage of Odinga's demise and questioning the 'lateness' of the tribute.

The passing of Raila Odinga, who died from a suspected heart attack in India, triggered a massive outpouring of grief across Kenya, particularly in his western Kenya heartland. His body arrived in the country on Thursday, October 16, 2025, received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, by President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga. This was followed by a public viewing in Nairobi at Kasarani Stadium and a state funeral at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025. These events were marred by surging crowds, leading to stampedes that unfortunately claimed at least five lives and left dozens injured, prompting authorities to tighten security at all venues.

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Odinga’s body was flown to Kisumu for public viewing. The military helicopter, coded ENIGMA01, carrying Odinga's remains received a water salute upon landing at Kisumu International Airport shortly after 7:40 AM. Thousands of mourners, having spent the night in vigils and traveling long distances, lined the roads from the airport, escorted by KDF and National Police Service personnel. The body was then transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, where a brief interdenominational service was held before public viewing began around 9:20 AM. The scenes in Kisumu were marked by profound tears, disbelief, loud anguish, and an outpouring of organic love for a man revered as a hero. Mourners battled cascades of tears, waving flags, twigs, and ODM regalia, with many overwhelmed by grief and emotions. Scores were injured as crowds surged to view the body, with medical teams attending to those who collapsed, fainted, or sustained injuries in the struggle. Despite the chaos, thousands pushed forward, some climbing trees and structures to catch a glimpse of the proceedings, reflecting the deep connection the city and the wider Luo-Nyanza region had with Odinga.

Following the viewing in Kisumu, Odinga's body was flown to his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight vigil, rather than being transported by road as initially planned. Siaya Governor James Orengo announced that while the homestead itself would remain accessible only to family and close relatives, a designated area across the homestead had been prepared for the community to view the body. Preparations in Bondo were intense, with workers racing against time to set up tents and arrange seats for thousands of mourners at Opoda home, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, and Kang'o Ka Jaramogi. The burial site was moved to a spot next to the mausoleum of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, to honor their close bond and preserve the family’s legacy. Security was tightened across Bondo and its environs, with roadblocks and aerial surveillance expected.

In a related development, a delegation of Tanzanian opposition politicians from the CHADEMA party, led by Deputy Chairperson John Heche, was arrested and detained at the Isibania One Stop Border post on Saturday, October 18, 2025, while attempting to cross into Kenya for Odinga's funeral. Tanzanian authorities confiscated Heche's passport without explanation. CHADEMA protested the arrests, stating it denied them a chance to show solidarity with grieving Kenyans and accused the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party of violating constitutional rights to movement. Party leader Tundu Lissu, currently in detention for a treason trial, had unsuccessfully appealed to President Samia Suluhu to attend the funeral.

Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County, at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, in line with his wishes to be buried at the same place as his parents. A state funeral service will be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, attended by President William Ruto, numerous dignitaries, and family members. His death leaves a significant leadership vacuum in the opposition, raising questions about the future of his political movement and alliances ahead of potentially volatile elections in 2027.