The National State Funeral Committee for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga held a media briefing yesterday, providing crucial updates on the weekend's solemn programme.
The committee, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, used the platform to confirm logistics for Kisumu and Bondo.
However, the meeting took a sharp turn when Senator Dr Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and co-chair of the committee, addressed a persistent rumour regarding the statesman’s final resting place.
Dr Oburu Odinga fiercely debunked claims that the departed leader’s will specified a burial spot immediately adjacent to his mother’s grave.
Setting the Record Straight
Dr Oburu Odinga acknowledged that the press had been circulating reports about the burial instructions. Specifically, reports suggested that Raila Odinga’s Will requested burial next to his mother, and that the family had verified this but had opted to bury him next to his father instead.
Addressing journalists, Dr Oburu made it clear that this narrative was entirely untrue.
He stressed that these details were being incorrectly reported by the media.
“The press has been saying that in Raila's Will, he said he wanted to be buried next to his mother and that we have disregarded it and now we are burying him next to his father. Nothing could be far from the truth,” Oburu stated.
The Will’s True Intent
The senator confirmed that he has personally seen the will. Dr Oburu stated that the document’s instructions were much broader than the specific spot next to either parent.
“I have seen the Will and it clearly states that he would like to be buried next to in the place where his mother and father are buried,” Oburu clarified.
Both of Raila Odinga’s parents are interred at Kang’o Kajaramogi, which is the location where the former Prime Minister will be buried.
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Dr Oburu emphasised that Raila Odinga’s instructions did not specify whether the grave should be located next to the mother or next to the father.
He questioned the media's focus on this precise proximity, stating that both are Raila's parents. The burial decision ensures he rests in the family place alongside both his mother and father.
“Whether the grave is next to the mother or next to the father that is now a detail which he did not say and I don't know why it is important to you whether it is next to the mother or to the father. Both of them are his parents and that was our decision,” he asserted.
Weekend Programme Update
The media briefing, held on what was announced as the second day of mourning, served primarily to outline the events ahead. The committee noted that the second day of mourning ended peacefully and with utmost dignity.
Deputy President Kindiki confirmed the Saturday logistics. Today, Saturday 18th October 2025, the body will be airlifted to Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Public viewing will take place at Mamboleo Grounds for most of the day. Thereafter, the mortal remains will be transported to Bondo for an overnight stay before the burial on Sunday. Full details for Sunday’s burial programme will be released tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. via a media dispatch.
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