- Raila Odinga’s death in India has made him join the rare list of nine Kenyan leaders honored with a state funeral
- The recognition places him alongside founding leaders, former presidents, and prominent national figures such as Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi and Wangari Maathai
- The government announced national mourning, with plans for a public viewing, a national memorial, and a funeral at his home in Bondo.
Kenya is set to honor the late Raila Amolo Odinga with a national funeral, placing him among the few national figures who have received rare recognition.
Source: UGC
His inclusion brings the number of Kenyan leaders who have been given the honor to nine.
Below is a look at eight others who were previously given state funerals, and why they earned a place in Kenya’s history books.
1. Jomo Kenyatta
Kenya’s founding president Jomo Kenyatta was the first to receive a national funeral after his death on August 22, 1978.
His death marked the end of an era that shaped Kenya’s post-independence identity. The government announced a month of mourning as leaders from around the world gathered in Nairobi for the service in the Parliament buildings.
His body lay in public for several days, allowing thousands of Kenyans to pay their last respects. The ceremony combined African traditions with full military honors, marking his role in leading the country to independence.
Kenyatta was later buried in a special cemetery built near Parliament.
2. Michael Kijana Wamalwa
Michael Kijana Wamalwa, the eighth vice president of Kenya, died in London in August 2003 while serving under the president Mwai Kibaki.
His death came just eight months after taking office. The government organized a state funeral attended by regional leaders and leaders.
The ceremony showed the charisma of Malwa and the hope he had brought to the government of the National Rainbow Union.
His casket was covered with the national flag and escorted by soldiers to Kitale, where he was buried.
3. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi
The second president of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moidied on February 4, 2020. He ruled the country for 24 years, making him the longest-serving head of state.
The government declared a national mourning period of several days, culminating in a military-led state funeral.
The ceremony was held at Nyayo Stadium with full military honors, including a 19-gun salute and a flyover.
Leaders from all over Africa attended. Moi was later buried at his home in Kabarak, where the government paid last respects led by the Kenya Defense Forces.
4. Mwai Kibaki
Mwai Kibaki, the third President of Kenya, died on April 21, 2022. His reign is remembered for economic reforms and the expansion of infrastructure and education.
The national funeral was held in Nyayo field attended by local and foreign leaders, including former heads of African countries.
His body lay in the Parliament Buildings for three days as thousands of Kenyans came to see it. Kibaki was buried at his Othaya home in Nyeri county with full military honours, closing the page of one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures.
5. Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai, the founder of the Green Belt Movement and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, died in September 2011 after a long battle with cancer.
The Kenyan government honored him with a state funeral in recognition of his defense of life and defense of human rights.
His service at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi attracted international visitors and members of civil society who celebrated his influence on the world.
In line with his environmental values, he was cremated and his ashes buried at the Wangari Maathai Institute within the University of Nairobi.
6. Lucy Kibaki
Former First Lady Lucy Kibaki, wife of President Mwai Kibaki, passed away in April 2016 in London. The government gave him a state funeral recognizing his public service and contribution to social issues.
Her body lies in state at the Consolata Shrine, where mourners from across the country paid tribute to her dedication to the welfare of women and children.
The funeral which took place in Othaya, Nyeri County, was attended by national leaders and former heads of state.
7. Mukami Kimathi
Mukami Kimathi, widow of Mau Mau freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, died in May 2023.
The government honored him for his courage and contribution in the struggle for Kenya’s independence.
His funeral was held in Nyandarua county, attended by the President William Ruto and senior government officials.
She was buried next to her husband’s symbolic grave, with the ceremony marking the government’s acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by the liberation heroes.
8. Phoebe is not
Veteran politician and women’s rights champion Phoebe Asiyo died in July at the age of 93.
The government announced that she will be given a state funeral for decades of public service and advocacy for gender equality.
Her funeral attracted leaders from various political parties who celebrated her contribution to the representation of women in Parliament and the national administration.
Asiyo’s funeral in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay county, highlighted her legacy as a pioneer of women’s empowerment.
9. Raila Amolo Odinga
Announcement of the national funeral of Raila Odinga followed his death on October 15, while undergoing treatment in India.
His death marked the end of a political era that spanned more than four decades.
In his address to the country, President William Ruto announced that the ODM leader will be given a national funeral with full military honours. The head of state added that during Raila’s funeral, all government protocols will be followed.
Source: Twitter
What you need to know about Raila’s death
- Raila’s body was returned to Nairobi on a Kenya Airways flight, where a guard of honor received it.
- The government declared seven days of national mourning with flags flying at half-mast
- His funeral plans included a public viewing of the body at Kasarani Stadium, a national service at Nyayo Stadium and burial at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.
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