Raila Odinga to be laid to rest next to his father in private family burial, says brother Oburu
Raila Odinga to be laid to rest next to his father in private family burial, says brother Oburu
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be laid to rest next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, in a private family ceremony, his brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, has disclosed.
On Thursday, Oburu, Raila’s elder brother, together with clergy, family members, and friends, identified the exact spot where the former Prime Minister will be buried.
The chosen site is next to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s mausoleum.
After Oburu marked the location, the clergy offered a prayer, followed by a symbolic initial digging of the grave.
Earlier, the team had visited the graves of other family members in the compound, including that of Raila’s mother, Mary Ajumma Odinga, who passed away in 1984 while Raila was detained without trial by the late President Daniel arap Moi’s regime.
Friends and family revealed that it had been Odinga’s wish to be buried in the family compound, particularly next to his mother. However, the team settled on a site next to Jaramogi’s mausoleum, which provides enough space to later construct Odinga’s own mausoleum.
Speaking on Thursday, Oburu said only close relatives will attend the intimate burial, which will follow an official ceremony honouring Raila’s legacy as a “dignified son of the land.”
“We will give Raila a dignified send-off, which he deserves, as a dignified son of this land. The programme will end with a burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and then later on, Raila will be buried next to our mum and dad… in a private burial (ceremony) which will be attended only by a few people,” he said.
The announcement came amid scenes of grief and disbelief as Oburu recounted Raila’s final moments before he died in India.
“When it happened, they were walking together with Winnie. She saw everything. They rushed him to the ICU, but God had His own plans. Raila is gone,” Oburu said, his voice breaking with emotion.
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The Siaya Senator revealed that the former Prime Minister had been in stable condition before the tragedy.
“We are saddened. Let us not make noise. We had said that he was sick, and that is the truth. He was okay, but when he left in the morning for his walk and exercise, something happened and hit him. Shetani ashindwe,” he said.
Oburu confirmed that Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, and his sister, Ruth Odinga, were by his side during the emergency.
“Ruth and Winnie were with him when it happened. We thank God for the time He gave us with him,” he said.
Appealing for calm and unity, Oburu urged Kenyans to mourn peacefully and honour Raila’s memory with dignity.
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“My plea is that we escort Raila and give him a befitting burial. We must show outsiders that we know how to honour our son. I don’t want chaos; in most cases, we also have robbers among us,” he said.
He proposed forming a small committee to oversee funeral plans, including preparations at the family home.
“Let us form a committee to go to Jaramogi’s place and prepare where he will be laid to rest. We shall sit, discuss, and plan depending on the programme. For now, we can announce the death of Raila,” he said.
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