- Minister Opiyo Wandayi explained the reason for visiting the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
- Raila was buried after 72 hours according to his will, a period that made the Kenyan nation lose the opportunity to mourn for a longer time
- The visit caused mixed feelings among some Kenyans, many asking the leaders to give Odinga’s family time to heal mentally
The Minister of Energy and Fuel, Opiyo Wandayi, visited the family of the former prime minister Raila Odinga deceased to show respect to him as a deceased leader.
Source: Facebook
Raila, a longtime ODM leader and national figure, died on October 15, 2025, in Kerala, India, after suffering a heart attack during a morning walk.
According to his wishes, he was buried within 72 hours, a decision that caused the nation to lose a long period of mourning.
Since his sudden death, mourners have continued to come to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi and lay flowers where he was buried.
This is in line with Luo culture where an elder of Raila’s status is mourned for at least 40 days, where leaders, relatives, and friends gather to encourage the family, reflect on his legacy, and carry forward his vision.
What message did Wandayi leave for the late Raila?
On Christmas Day, CS Wandayi, accompanied by some ODM leaders, visited Odinga’s residence.
He was received by Raila’s wife and his son, Raila Junior, before paying his respects at the grave.
“It is important to show respect to our leader who left us, Mr. Raila Odinga, in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo County. Continue to rest in peace, Baba,” he said.
Photos taken there showed dry flowers as well as fresh ones decorated with Kenyan flags, showing the number of visitors who were remembering him.
Wandayi’s action was praised by many as a sign of respect for time, although some voices called for leaders to let Raila rest in peace, noting that his memory will remain alive in the hearts of Kenyans.
What did Kenyans say after Wandayi visited Raila’s grave?
George Hannington Ojwaya: “Let’s give this family time to recover… However, we will not stop mourning.”
Eden Hazard: “Raila Odinga was truly a serious man. Even in his grave, people still use his name to push their personal agenda. RIP Raila Odinga.”
Rayton Omemo: “Why is it every day? Let the old man rest.”
Moses Christopher: “Let RAO rest in peace, we will remember him for every generation until the end of the world.”
Ed. Lameck Matara Mokaya: “It is painful for us followers of the Father. 2025 is the first Christmas without Agwambo.”
Harun Mwangi KE: “However, you are busy promoting the agenda of undermining the ODM party to please the current boss and the selection authority. There are people who have taken the trust to sell or dismantle ODM after the old man left.”
Source: Facebook
Are ODM leaders undermining Raila?
Likewise, following the death of Raila, his sister and representative of Kisumu women, Ruth Odingahe said that some ODM leaders and members have started to undermine him.
He urged respect for the late politician while urging party members to remain committed to strengthening ODM beyond what Raila left behind.
His words were given as tension continued to rise within ODM, where some officials aligned themselves with the president before 2027.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
