A thick silence hangs over Kisumu this morning as the people of Nyanza brace themselves for one of the most emotional moments in Kenya’s history: the homecoming of Raila Amolo Odinga’s lifeless body.
The military aircraft carrying the body of the former Prime Minister is expected to land at Kisumu International Airport, marking the beginning of his final journey home to Bondo.
As dawn breaks over the lakeside city, thousands of mourners, some draped in orange and others carrying miniature Kenyan flags, are already streaming into Mamboleo Grounds. It is here that the man many fondly called Baba will lie in state for public viewing — the last chance for Kenyans to say farewell to a leader who defined generations.
A City in Mourning
Kisumu has been transformed into a sea of emotion and remembrance. Streets are lined with portraits of Raila Odinga — youthful images from his days as a freedom fighter and recent photos capturing his trademark smile. Along the airport road, schoolchildren, traders, and boda boda riders have gathered early, hoping to catch a glimpse of the cortege as it makes its way through the city.
Security has been tightened, but the mood remains sombre and peaceful. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the national funeral planning committee, urged mourners to maintain order and arrive early. “This is a solemn moment for our nation. Let us honour Raila Odinga with the dignity and respect he deserves,” he said.
A Day of Reflection
At Mamboleo Grounds,the Kenya Defence Forces will present the casket draped in the national flag — a symbol of Raila’s lifelong struggle for democracy and justice. As the viewing begins, choirs from local churches will lead the gathering in hymns and Luo dirges, weaving grief with gratitude.
Many have travelled overnight from as far as Nairobi, Mombasa, and the diaspora, carrying stories of how Raila touched their lives — whether through politics, mentorship, or sheer inspiration.
“I came to say thank you,” says 62-year-old Rose Atieno from Ahero. “He was not just a politician; he was our voice when we had none.”
The Final Road Home
Later in the afternoon, the convoy will begin its slow, symbolic journey to Bondo, winding through the familiar roads that have witnessed Raila’s countless political rallies and homecomings. The route — from Kisumu to Kombewa, Luanda, and on to Bondo — is expected to be lined with mourners waving branches, singing freedom songs, and ululating in sorrow and pride.
The body will rest overnight in Bondo before Sunday’s burial at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, the ancestral home where his parents, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Juma Odinga, are buried. Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has confirmed that the burial will take place in accordance with Raila’s wishes.
“Raila wanted to be laid to rest beside his parents in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. That is where his journey began, and that is where it will end,” Oburu said emotionally.
A Nation Bids Farewell
The final ceremony on Sunday is expected to draw dignitaries from across the continent — presidents, opposition leaders, liberation icons, and thousands of Kenyans from every walk of life. Yet for many in Nyanza, this farewell is deeply personal.
Raila Odinga’s story is woven into their own — from the struggle for multi-party democracy to the push for devolution and freedom. As the sun sets over Lake Victoria today, the people of Kisumu will not just be mourning a leader; they will be celebrating a life that changed Kenya’s destiny.
As Oburu told mourners, “Baba may be gone, but his spirit — of courage, justice, and unshakable hope — will live among us forever.”
