President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other national leaders led Kenyans in paying their final respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga during an emotional requiem mass at the Nyayo National Stadium. The Odinga family, clergy, and opposition leaders hailed him as a champion of democracy, unity, and justice as thousands of mourners viewed his body before its journey to Kisumu and Bondo for Sunday’s burial.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct’ 17, 2025-President William Ruto on Friday led Kenyans in paying their final respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga during a national requiem mass held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Earlier in the day, President Ruto led top government officials and thousands of mourners in viewing Raila’s body at Parliament Buildings, before the casket was escorted to Nyayo Stadium for the memorial service attended by local and international dignitaries.
In his tribute, President Ruto described Raila as “a movement for inclusivity and development,” praising him as a selfless leader who fought for devolution, justice, and equal opportunity for all Kenyans.
“Raila envisioned a prosperous Kenya where justice favours none. We were enemies, then friends, enemies again, and in the end, we became brothers until his death,” the President said, noting that Raila’s leadership had left an indelible mark on Kenya’s democratic journey.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogized Raila as “a brother and a true patriot”, saying he loved Kenya more than any other country and devoted his entire life to its service.
“Raila was a leader who never discriminated against anyone. He fought for democracy, equality, and the fair distribution of resources to all Kenyans. His spirit of unity and peace will live forever,” Uhuru said, urging Kenyans to defend democracy and devolution — values Raila stood for.
During the mass, Bishop David Godia from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), who presided over the service, challenged Kenyan politicians to abandon divisive politics and embrace unity, saying the country must not betray Raila’s vision.
“Raila fought for a Kenya where every citizen is treated equally and leaders put the people first. We must not betray that vision with retrogressive politics,” Bishop Godia told mourners.
From the family, Ida Odinga described her late husband as “a father, a pillar, and a man who loved both his family and the nation deeply.”
She revealed that Raila had personally planned his burial arrangements, including his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death — a revelation that surprised the family.
“He valued peace, unity, and justice throughout his life and hated corruption to his death. The best way to honour him is to embrace peace and integrity — the ideals he lived and died for,” Ida said.
Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka used the occasion to criticize the government for excluding the Opposition from addressing the mass, saying it contradicted the values Raila fought for.
“The government is doing the exact opposite of what Raila stood for — integrity, justice, and the equal sharing of resources,” Kalonzo said, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of indulging in graft, misuse of public funds, and undermining devolution.
He urged leaders to emulate Raila’s courage and commitment to democracy, saying his death should remind Kenyans of the need to defend good governance and unity.
After the service, thousands of mourners lined up to view Raila’s body at the Nyayo National Stadium, where it will remain until all mourners have paid their respects.
The casket will later be taken to his Karen home for an overnight vigil before being flown to Kisumu on Saturday morning and subsequently transported to Bondo, Siaya County, where the burial is scheduled for Sunday.
Kenya remains in deep mourning for the veteran opposition leader whose political journey spanned decades of struggle, sacrifice, and service to the nation.
