WATCH LIVE: Raila’s State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium & Public Body Viewing

 The elaborate ceremony was accorded full state honours. It mirrored the precision and pomp usually reserved for presidential events.

Odinga, a giant figure in Kenya’s political scene, died on Wednesday, October 15, aged 80. He passed away in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

A Flood of Emotion

The stadium was packed with citizens paying their final respects to the long-time opposition leader. Mourners carried national flags and portraits of the late statesman. Many wore T-shirts printed with his image.

As the military procession brought the casket into the stadium, emotions ran extremely high. The crowd broke into songs, whistles, and loud chants. Upon arrival, mourners also broke into wails.

Kenyans waved orange ribbons and flags, displaying the signature colour of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Mourners were also seen carrying branches and palm fronds.

This specific gesture is a traditional symbol of grief among the Luo ethnic group, to which Odinga belonged.

They chanted a popular Swahili political slogan: "Raila usilale, bado mapambano"

This chant translates to, "Raila, don't sleep, the struggle is not over". It is a symbolic appeal for his watchful spirit to guide the ongoing political struggle. Kenyans fondly referred to the late statesman as Baba.

State Honours and Security

The day’s events followed the morning viewing of the body at Parliament Buildings. A solemn convoy transported the remains from Parliament to Nyayo Stadium. The procession began shortly after 9:20 a.m.. It was led by military outriders and a ceremonial gun carriage. The casket was draped in the Kenyan flag.

The arrival at the grounds happened at 9:46 a.m.. Regional leaders, including the Presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, were among the dignitaries attending the service. President William Ruto was also in attendance.

Security remained tight within and around the stadium. Personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, and the National Youth Service (NYS) were deployed.

A Legacy of Principle

The funeral service was presided over by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK). Bishop David Kodia of the ACK Bondo Diocese delivered the sermon.

“Raila loved his country deeply. He could not buy support with his wallet — he won hearts through conviction,” said Bishop Kodia.

Ida Odinga, the late leader's widow, also gave a speech.

"Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed. The greed that has affected the fabric of our society," she stated.

Odinga was the country's main opposition leader for many years. He was a key figure in establishing Kenya's multi-party democracy. He lost five presidential campaigns, often citing the manipulation of votes.

His body will be transported to Kisumu on Saturday. Members of the public will have a final opportunity to view the body there. He will be buried on Sunday, October 19, at his farm in Bondo, which is about () west of Kisumu. A seven-day period of mourning has been declared.