Newspapers on Tuesday, October 21, reported on the tributes paid to the late Raila Odinga during the Mashujaa Dei celebrations.
Source: UGC
Elsewhere, the retired president Uhuru Kenyatta visited Raila’s grave the day after his funeral.
1. Nation Today
The newspaper reported that the retired president Uhuru Kenyatta visited the grave of former prime minister Raila Odinga at his home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
Uhuru visited the grave on Mashujaa Dei, one day after the funeral of the influential leader.
He was accompanied by Raila’s elder brother who is also the Siaya Senator, Oburu Oginga, widow Mama Ida Odinga, and Raila’s younger sister, Ruth Odinga, who is also the Kisumu County women’s representative.
Others present were friends of the Odinga family as well as Uhuru’s relatives from Mount Kenya.
The retired president was seen standing silently with his head bowed beside the grave decorated with flowers, as a sign of respect for the late Raila.
At one point, Uhuru was seen stretching his hand over the grave and then remained silent as if he was praying.
After visiting Raila’s grave, Uhuru was taken around the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi museum, where he paid tribute to Raila’s father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
It is recalled that in 2018, during his second term, Kenyatta who was previously an opponent of Raila joined hands with the politician, after having a bad political relationship with the President William Rutowho was his deputy at the time.
2. The Standard
The newspaper reported about the deceased Raila Odinga was awarded the highest honor completely in Kenya after his death.
During this year’s Mashujaa Dei celebrations held in Kitui County, the former prime minister was given the nation’s highest award.
President William Ruto awarded Raila the award of First Class Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH), recognizing him as a leader who changed the country through his constant efforts in fighting for democracy, justice, and unity, which significantly affected the political direction of the nation.
“It is for that reason that in Mashujaa Dei, in recognition of his great contribution and his lasting legacy, the government and the people of Kenya have written the name of Mr. Raila Odinga among the great heroes of the nation under the public seal of the Republic,” said Ruto in an announcement in the Official Government Gazette.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, and through the authority given to me as President, today I have conferred the highest honor of the Republic of Kenya, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, on the late Mr. Raila Amolo Odinga,” added Ruto.
The tribute to Raila was part of a wider national program to recognize citizens who contributed to the development of Kenya. The awardees were selected through a nationwide selection process led by the National Veterans Council, in collaboration with county governments, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the general public.
Awardees included freedom fighters, artists, business leaders, teachers, religious leaders, and athletes, each recognized for their contribution to shaping Kenya’s history and culture.
In the Lifetime Achievement category, five prominent people — Raila Odinga, Mwai Kibaki, Daniel arap MoiProfessor Wangari Maathai, and Jomo Kenyatta were recognized as permanent pillars in Kenya’s journey from colonialism to a modern nation.
Under the Liberation Struggle component, veterans like Gitu wa Kahengeri, Lucia Leonard Cianjoka, and Mwararia Emilio M’kanga were honored for their courage during the Mau Mau struggle.
Posthumous tributes were also paid to historical figures such as Fanuel Walter Odede, who helped in the legal defense of Kapenguria Sixand Haji Galma Dido, a peace ambassador who was tragically killed while on a reconciliation mission in Northern Kenya.
3. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the violence that occurred after the funeral of the deceased Raila Odinga in Bondo, Sunday, October 19.
Soon after Raila Odinga’s family and distinguished guests left the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi gravesite, a large crowd of mourners flooded the house, causing violence and chaos.
Raila was buried with honors in a private service attended by close relatives, President William Ruto, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, senior army officers, and religious leaders.
The activity was carried out quietly, while the public was informed to follow the event through large screens placed nearby. The family of the deceased had made it clear that they wanted a quiet and private funeral, which would give them space for personal reflection and mourning without interruption.
However, shortly after the guests of honor left, the calm was broken when mourners began to appear in large numbers and enter the grave area, disrupting the silence of the last respect.
Some destroyed the wreaths placed on the grave, while others took them home.
4. The Star
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