Olusegun Obasanjo, President William Ruto among the leaders who attended the funeral of Raila Odinga

President William Ruto leads thousands of mourners in the national funeral of Raila Odinga which is being held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Siaya county
The ceremony has attracted regional and international leaders, reflecting Raila’s status as one of the most prominent politicians in Kenya’s history.
His body will be buried later in the Opoda family farm in a private ceremony attended by close relatives and invited guests only

The funeral of former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga continues at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya county.

Olusegun Obasanjo, President William Ruto are among leaders attending Raila Odinga’s burial ceremony. Photo: PCS.
Source: UGC

The event has gathered local and foreign leaders, showing the great impact that Raila brought in Kenya’s political and democratic journey.

President William Ruto leads the nation in mourning, accompanied by the former president Uhuru Kenyatta and the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was a long-time ally of Odinga.

Which leaders are attending Raila’s funeral in Bondo?

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is also present, accompanied by the Prime Minister of the Supreme Council Stay MudavadiChief of Defense Forces General Charles Kahariri and senior military officers.

The participation of the armed forces reflects the full national honors accorded to Raila, who was one of the country’s most influential politicians for more than four decades.

Among the political leaders present are former Minister of Law and leader of the People’s Liberation Party Martha Karua, leader of the Wiper party Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) Eugene Wamalwa, and leader of the Roots Party George Wajackoyah.

Also in attendance were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and former Internal Security Minister Fred Matiang’i.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who recently announced his intention to run for president in 2027, was seen arriving early for the event.

International leaders attend Raila’s funeral

Majority leaders of the Assembly such as Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna who is also the General Secretary of ODM are among the crowd that filled the JOOUST stadium.

Interior Ministry Secretary Raymond Omollo and National Treasury Secretary Chris Kiptoo are also among the senior government officials who attended.

Several governors have joined the event, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka.

The event has also attracted distinguished guests from various parts of the region.

The former Prime Minister of Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda and Jessica Magufuli, the daughter of the former president of Tanzania John Pombe Magufuli, are among the distinguished guests who came to pay their respects to the opposition leader.

The widow of former Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Elizabeth Macheka Tsvangirai, and Botswana’s Ambassador to Kenya, Andrew Onalenna Sesinyi, have also attended.