Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body arrived at his
Opoda Farm residence for a night vigil ahead of burial on Sunday.
There was a heavy security presence at the homestead as the body was received by Mama Ida and family members.
On Saturday morning, Raila’s body was airlifted to Kisumu to
allow mourners to view his body at Mamboleo.
Thousands of residents came out to pay their last respects
to the former Prime Minister. Crowds had gathered as early as dawn, waving flags, twigs, carrying portraits and chanting dirges.
The exercise started after a brief delay following a minor disruption at the stadium, which was quickly contained by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.
Among the first leaders to view the body were Raila’s son Raila Odinga Junior, Governor Nyong’o, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda.
The process that was largely peaceful concluded by around
3 pm, where his body was airlifted to Bondo for a night vigil at his home.
Raila’s body arrived at the Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, at 4.16 pm from Kisumu County for a night vigil ahead of burial on Sunday.
The body was received by Raila’s family with Mama Ida leading the family in viewing the body at Opoda Farm, Bondo.
The viewing was also opened to members of the public who had gathered all day long waiting for the arrival of Raila’s remains.
There were final touches on the grave of the late former Prime Minister at his Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, as preparations for his Sunday burial enter the final stretch.
Grave construction began on Thursday, October 16, marking a key phase in the week-long farewell events.
On Saturday, National Construction Authority (NCA) CEO Maurice Aketch visited the site to inspect the final phase and ensure compliance with all safety and structural standards.
Aketch, who, after assessing it, expressed satisfaction with the progress.
“The team has been working overnight to ensure everything is ready for tomorrow. We have lifted the walling and are now applying the final finishes on the floor and walls,” Aketch said.
Excavation work was already completed, and the construction team was plastering, building the canopy, and reinforcing the walls that would support the structure covering the entire grave.
According to Aketch, the construction adheres strictly to safety regulations, with the walls built in stages to allow proper setting and stability.
“The short height of the walls and their proximity at the corners enhance stability, allowing us to accelerate finishing without compromising safety,” he stated.
The former prime minister will be laid to rest next to his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
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