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Kenya ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga buried as the country faces political uncertainty

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 12:20 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13
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Kenya Mourns Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as Political Landscape Shifts

In a ceremony that drew thousands of mourners and the country’s most prominent leaders, former Kenya’s prime minister and opposition icon Raila Odinga was laid to rest in Nairobi on Thursday. The burial, held at the Kenyatta Memorial Hall, marked the end of a long and turbulent political career that spanned three decades and left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic evolution.

Odinga, who passed away on July 16, 2022, at the age of 73 after a protracted battle with cancer, had spent his final days surrounded by family and close allies. His funeral was declared a state affair, underscoring the high esteem in which he was held by the government and the public alike. The ceremony opened at 10 a.m. with a solemn march of the Kenyan National Police and a backdrop of the national flag.

Key Attendees and International Presence

President William Ruto, who won the contentious 2022 presidential election that Odinga’s coalition, the National Super Alliance (NASA), had challenged in court, attended the burial in a quiet, dignified manner. Vice‑President Rigathi Gachagua and a host of senior government officials were present, signaling the ruling party’s willingness to honor a former opposition leader despite their recent political rivalry.

The ceremony also drew a number of international dignitaries. The United Nations Secretary‑General, António Guterres, sent a representative to pay respects, as did the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Executive Director. The U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Daniel J. W. Smith, stood beside Ruto as the coffin was lowered into the earth. The Kenyan diaspora in Europe and the Americas were represented by a delegation that arrived in Nairobi for the memorial.

Political Context and Uncertainty

The burial took place against a backdrop of significant political uncertainty. Kenya’s 2022 presidential election ended in a narrow victory for Ruto, a result that was contested by Odinga and his coalition. The Supreme Court of Kenya ruled the election valid, but protests and legal challenges persisted. As Kenya gears up for its next general elections in 2027, the country’s political alliances are fluid and volatile.

Ruto, who vowed unity after the election, has been navigating the shifting allegiances of former NASA members. The former prime minister’s death raises questions about the future of the opposition. Many of Odinga’s supporters have been considering a re‑organization of NASA, potentially merging with Ruto’s People’s Democratic Movement (PDM). The funeral itself has been read by many as a call for reconciliation, a sentiment echoed in statements from Ruto, who said, “We all lost a great leader, but the nation must move forward.”

Odinga’s Legacy

The ceremony honored Odinga’s legacy as a champion of democracy and human rights. His speeches over the years had highlighted the need for a “Kenya that is free, equal, and prosperous.” In his final months, Odinga had expressed a desire for national unity, urging leaders to put politics aside for the greater good. The official tribute read a passage from his memoir, A Long Journey, wherein he reflected on his lifelong dedication to public service.

During the proceedings, former Prime Minister Mwai Kibaki, who served as the chief justice of the Supreme Court, delivered a moving eulogy that highlighted Odinga’s perseverance in the face of adversity. The speech was widely shared across social media platforms, and the hashtag #RailaOdinga drew millions of impressions worldwide.

Additional Links and Context

The AP story links to a detailed coverage of the 2022 Kenyan presidential election, outlining the legal battles and the Supreme Court’s ruling that ultimately confirmed Ruto’s victory. It also references an AP piece that discusses the shifting dynamics of NASA and the possible re‑alignment with the ruling party. The article provides background on Ruto’s inauguration and the broader challenges of governance in Kenya, including the country’s need to address corruption, economic inequality, and regional security.

The AP piece also cites statements from the Kenya National Assembly, which passed a motion of condolence for Odinga’s passing, and the Kenyan Senate’s resolution acknowledging the former prime minister’s contributions to the nation’s political fabric. These official documents add depth to the narrative, illustrating the formal recognition of Odinga’s impact.

Closing Reflections

As Kenya grapples with the legacy of a powerful opposition leader and the uncertainties of its political future, the burial of Raila Odinga stands as a pivotal moment. It serves not only as a farewell to a towering figure but also as a potential turning point for a nation striving to balance democratic ideals with the realities of political power. The proceedings highlighted the importance of national unity in the wake of a contentious election, and the country now faces the challenge of moving forward while honoring the memory of a leader who dedicated his life to Kenya’s democratic journey.