NAIROBI, Kenya — Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has publicly criticized the organizers of the State Funeral for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, contending that the official opposition was improperly sidelined during the national ceremony held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
While President William Ruto and the Odinga family led the country in honoring the fallen leader, Musyoka expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition given to opposition leaders, arguing that it went against the democratic principles Odinga championed throughout his life.
“It is unfortunate because it is a state funeral; they should have recognised the official opposition to say something. That is what Raila Odinga would have wanted,” Kalonzo stated.
He further noted the subdued acknowledgment of their presence by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki: “You can see the way Kindiki announced that some of us were around; nobody could hear. But it is okay,” he remarked.
A national gathering marked by emotion and symbolism
Thousands of mourners attended the solemn event, carrying national flags, portraits of the late leader, and wearing commemorative apparel to pay their final respects.
Security was robust, with police and military officers deployed to maintain order and prevent a recurrence of the disturbances observed during the body-viewing ceremony the day before.
Regional heads of state, including the Presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, were among the dignitaries present at the Nyayo National Stadium service.
As Mr. Odinga’s body entered the stadium in a ceremonial military procession, the crowd erupted in a spontaneous display of grief and political fervor, chanting, whistling, and singing. They repeatedly shouted the popular Swahili political slogan,
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“Raila usilale, bado mapambano,” which translates to “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over,” a symbolic appeal for his spirit to remain vigilant over the political landscape.
President Ruto led mourners in singing the popular reggae tune, Jamaican Farewell, known to be the former Prime Minister’s favourite.
Personal tributes and calls for peace
During the service, Mr. Odinga’s widow, Ida, appealed to the nation to maintain peace and unity in honor of his memory.
She also reflected on the principles that defined his character, emphasizing: “Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed. The greed that has affected the fabric of our society,” she added.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta provided a moment of poignant reflection and warmth, recalling shared memories with the man who became his ally after years of rivalry. “Sometimes after work, we would just sit together, talking and laughing,” said Kenyatta.
Earlier on Friday morning, Mr. Odinga’s body was taken to Parliament for viewing by MPs and selected dignitaries.
The late leader, a major figure in Kenya’s political history, died on Wednesday at age 80 in India while undergoing medical treatment. Mourners have been carrying branches and palm fronds, which are traditional symbols of mourning and grief among the Luo ethnic group to which he belonged.
Mr. Odinga’s body is scheduled to be transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold, on Saturday, ahead of burial at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday.
