- Former prime minister Raila Odinga was buried in the family cemetery, Kang’o ka Jaramogi, at his home in Bondo village.
- A cloud of grief reigned as his body was lowered into the grave, as army officers removed the Kenyan flag draped over his coffin.
- The flag was handed over to his wife, Ida Odinga, while an army officer explained to TUKO.co.ke the reason for removing it instead of burying it with him
Former prime minister of Kenya Raila Odinga He was buried at the Kang’o ka Jaramogi family cemetery in Bondo, on Sunday, October 19.
Source: Facebook
The veteran politician died on Wednesday, October 15, while in India after suffering a heart attack.
Was Raila buried with the Kenyan flag?
At 10:50 pm, military officers carrying the casket placed it on the hearse ready for burial.
Before the casket was slowly lowered, military police officers were seen removing the Kenyan national flag that had covered the casket since the body was returned from India.
The flag was respectfully folded and handed over to his widow, Mama Ida Odingawith 17 cannons fired in honor.
The MC of the event explained the meaning of the act saying:
“The flag has been handed over to Mama Ida as a sign of gratitude for the great work that this late leader served the nation during his lifetime.”
The army officer who performed the role was seen greeting Ida and giving her words of respect as she accepted to receive the flag.
After the family members and leaders who were present threw soil of honor at the grave, Raila’s grave was decorated with bouquets of flowers from the family and various leaders, including the President William Ruto.
However, it is worth noting that his famous fedora hat and his traditional flywhisk were buried with him.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, a military officer who introduced himself under the pseudonym Martin Njagi for personal reasons explained the custom of removing the flag from the coffin instead of burying it with the deceased.
“The Kenyan flag was unveiled on the coffin of the late Raila as a sign of the nation’s gratitude for his services as a leader who served the nation during his lifetime. It is a custom given to people who once held national positions such as the prime minister. It is a tradition that the flag is handed over to a close relative, often a spouse, to preserve that honor and recognition. Burying the flag will not have the same meaning because it is meant to honor the leader and his family directly.
It is an act similar to when army officers are buried and their shoes are handed over to the family,” said officer Njagi.
Watch the moving video below showing Raila’s coffin being lowered into the grave:
Important facts about Raila’s funeral
During the emotional funeral service in Bondo, his granddaughter Saphie gave a touching speech reminding people of the good times she had with her grandfather.
President William Ruto also narrated in detail how he received a sad call from Winnie Odinga the day Raila died.
In addition, he revealed that the government paid for Raila’s last trip to India where he was receiving treatment due to health problems.
Source: Facebook
Did Ida Odinga cry when Raila’s coffin was lowered?
TUKO.co.ke also reported that Ida Odinga could not hold back tears when her husband’s coffin was lowered into the grave.
Videos seen by TUKO.co.ke showed him with their children Winnie, Raila Junior, and Rosemary very sad trying to say goodbye.
The video struck a chord with Kenyans on the internet, and many sent messages of comfort to the grieving family.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
