Thousands Attend Raila Odinga’s State Funeral in Nairobi

Thousands of Kenyans gathered at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi for the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, paying their final respects to one of the country’s most influential political figures. Mourners carried national flags, portraits, and wore T-shirts printed with Odinga’s image, while branches and palm fronds—symbols of mourning among the Luo community—were also displayed.

Security remained tight around the stadium, with police and military personnel deployed to prevent unrest. This comes after at least three people died during Thursday’s body-viewing ceremony at the airport, when authorities fired gunshots and tear gas to control massive crowds escorting Odinga’s body from India, where he passed away.

The funeral was attended by regional leaders, including the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, reflecting Odinga’s prominent stature in East African politics. Earlier on Friday, his body was taken to parliament, where MPs and selected dignitaries viewed it.

Raila Odinga, who died at 80 years old in India, had been a towering figure in Kenya’s political scene for decades. He served as the country’s main opposition leader and ran for president five times, alleging electoral manipulation in his campaigns.

On Saturday, Odinga’s body will be transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold on Lake Victoria’s shores. The public will have a chance to view the body before his burial on Sunday at his family farm in Bondo, about 60 km west of Kisumu. The family stated that it was Odinga’s wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours, and a seven-day period of national mourning has been declared.

Odinga’s influence in Kenyan politics was unmatched. Beyond his electoral campaigns, he played a central role in shaping modern Kenya’s democracy and was respected both domestically and regionally for his political leadership and advocacy for reform.