Heavy military presence has been established at the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s rural home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County, as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officially take charge of his final resting place.
The KDF, which is overseeing the national funeral arrangements, has sealed off the mausoleum where Raila will be laid to rest beside his parents, in line with his wishes. Only close family members, top government officials, and a few invited guests will be allowed into the restricted area.
Officials from the funeral steering committee said the decision was made to ensure safety and order, noting that the mausoleum compound is too small to accommodate large crowds. The move, they added, is meant to prevent any incident similar to the stampede scare that occurred earlier at Kasarani Stadium during a memorial service.
Construction of the grave, supervised by National Construction Authority (NCA) chairperson Maurice Akech, has been completed and approved for the ceremony.
Before the burial, a state funeral service will take place at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where President William Ruto is expected to lead national prayers for the late ODM leader. Preparations at the university are in their final stages, with military officers and police ensuring that everything runs smoothly. A red carpet now covers the area where the casket will rest during the service.
Both KDF and Military Police personnel have been coordinating on the ground to manage logistics, security, and ceremonial protocols as part of the full military honours accorded to the former Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has dismissed rumours that the family went against Raila’s burial wishes. He clarified that Raila had asked to be buried beside both his parents, not just one, calling reports to the contrary misleading.
With the gravesite ready and military protocols in place, Siaya County is preparing to give its most famous son a dignified farewell — one that reflects the deep respect and love he commanded across the nation.
