Kisumu, Kenya – Friday, October 17, 2025
The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has announced that his burial will be a strictly private affair, attended only by close family members and a select group of leaders.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu on Friday morning, Raila’s elder brother Dr. Oburu Oginga said that the decision was made in accordance with the family’s wishes to allow them to “mourn in peace and dignity.”
“This will not be a political event or a public show. It will be a family ceremony attended by only a few people,” Oburu stated. “We understand the nation’s desire to give Raila a grand send-off, but we must also respect his wish for a quiet, private burial.”
The announcement comes just hours after the viewing venue for Raila’s body was shifted from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, following security consultations by the national organizing committee led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Sources close to the family indicate that the burial will take place at Raila’s rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, though the exact date and time remain confidential for security and crowd control reasons.
Security agencies have already been deployed across Siaya and Kisumu counties to manage the large number of mourners expected to travel to the region despite the restrictions.
Dr. Oburu urged Kenyans to continue honoring Raila’s memory through peace, unity, and respect for the family’s privacy.
“Raila belonged to the people, but he was also a father, husband, and brother. Let us allow the family to lay him to rest as he desired,” Oburu said emotionally.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and several regional leaders are expected to attend the state memorial service scheduled for early next week before the private burial.
Raila Odinga, 80, passed away earlier this week, sending shockwaves across the nation and the African continent. Tributes have continued to pour in from global leaders, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, African Union officials, and opposition leaders across the region.
The government has declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast in honor of the long-serving opposition leader who was instrumental in Kenya’s multi-party democracy and constitutional reforms.
