Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined President William Ruto, visiting Heads of State and Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and thousands of Kenyans at the Nyayo National Stadium for the State Funeral of the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
The solemn ceremony brought together leaders across political divides in a powerful show of unity to celebrate the life and legacy of one of Kenya’s most influential statesmen.
In a moving tribute, the former President described the late Odinga as “a patriot who loved his country more than anything” and a man whose name would forever be etched in the story of Kenya.
“We gather here today to celebrate the life of a friend and brother, Raila Amollo Odinga; a patriot who loved his country, Kenya, more than anything. A father to all, he was without tribalism and loved all citizens, not because of their tribe or skin color, but for their thoughts, their actions, and their opinions,” Kenyatta said.
How did Uhuru Kenyatta eulogise Raila?
The former Head of State hailed Raila Odinga’s lifelong fight for democracy, justice, and unity, describing him as a leader who gave voice to the voiceless and embodied the struggle for equality.
“The history of Kenya cannot be written without the name of Raila Odinga being number one,” he noted. “He may have left us physically, but in our hearts and in our nation, he will live forever,” remarked Kenyatta as he eulogised Odinga.
Kenyatta urged Kenyans to remain steadfast in defending the values that Raila Odinga stood for, saying, “As we sing the National Anthem, we must never allow the clamour for social justice, human rights, and democracy to roll back. We must move forward as Raila always did.”
President William Ruto, in his tribute, remembered the late Odinga as a leader whose courage and resilience shaped Kenya’s political landscape and inspired hope across generations.
The ceremony was attended by thousands of mourners, among them former Heads of State, regional leaders, and diplomats, who joined Kenyans in honoring the former Prime Minister’s decades-long contribution to democracy, governance, and national cohesion.
Raila Odinga’s remains will be interred on Sundayat his ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, where the final burial rites are set to take place.
