Raila’s Friend Reveals Why He Always Advocated for Swift Burial After Death

The late ODM leader Raila Odinga wished to be interred within the shortest time possible following his death. This revelation sheds light on a profoundly private philosophy held by the prominent politician regarding death and funerary traditions.

Dennis Onsarigo, a journalist and former press secretary to Mr Odinga, disclosed the former Premier’s wishes during an appearance on Citizen TV on Friday morning. The revelation was reportedly a surprise even to those close to him.

The 72-Hour Mandate

Mr Odinga communicated to his family that he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his demise. This timeline was placed explicitly in his Will.

Onsarigo, who had previously served as a political consultant for Mr Odinga, explained that this request was rooted in a desire to spare families prolonged grief and logistical strain.

“I remember in instances where he used to say, ‘Why should you tire families for 2-3 weeks holding onto a body? Let people rest. Let the departed rest'. That was Raila Odinga,” Onsarigo recalled.

The former Premier frequently questioned the tradition of extended funeral periods.

This personal instruction became a key factor in the planning after Mr Odinga died in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

Honouring the Burial Timeline

Following the news of the Will, official planning moved quickly to honour the strict timeline.

A family source confirmed that President William Ruto was informed of the 72-hour request shortly after his arrival at Mr Odinga's Karen residence. The countdown began on Thursday when the former Premier’s remains were scheduled to arrive back in the country.

Mr Odinga served the country as Premier between 2008 and 2013.

To adhere to his wish, a detailed funeral programme has been established. A public prayer service is scheduled to be held at the Nyayo Stadium on Friday. Following this service, the body is expected to be flown to Siaya the same evening.

The burial is then scheduled for Sunday. Mr Odinga will be interred in the family graveyard in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, resting beside his late father, Jaramogi, and his son, Fidel.

A Private Compassion

Mr Onsarigo further reflected on Mr Odinga’s inherent privacy, suggesting that this preference for swift action aligns with his overall reluctance for public showmanship.

Mr Odinga was highly particular about avoiding actions that might generate a "cheap political score".

Onsarigo recalled that Mr Odinga would often make significant financial donations to people privately, even giving the money in person, and would specifically instruct recipients not to speak about it. Even when political consultants suggested publicising his philanthropic activities to combat allegations that he was mean, Mr Odinga flatly refused.

This characteristic quiet compassion and preference for privacy explain why his 72-hour burial request came as such a "revelation".

As the nation observes a seven-day national mourning period declared by President Ruto, the funeral committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga is tasked with ensuring the plans respect the late leader’s deeply held philosophy of ‘rest’.