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5 stories22 billion shillings KDF projects stall after contractors abandoned sites. Safarilink denies claims of fare hikes on the Nairobi–Kisumu route. Gatabaki's widow given 30 days to release land transfer papers.
Raila Odinga received military honours in India, highlighting his international standing; locally, President Ruto pledged support for a strong ODM, hinting at a potential UDA-ODM coalition. CS Wandayi affirmed loyalty to Ruto. Kalonzo Musyoka vowed to continue Odinga’s political journey to "Canaan" in 2027, even as Odinga's family, including Oburu and Ruth Odinga, warned against ODM factions, emphasizing his "dying wish" for party unity.
During the funeral service, new information was shared about Raila Odinga's final weeks. President William Ruto revealed previously undisclosed details about the former Prime Minister's struggles with illnesses. Raila's elder brother, Oburu Odinga, disclosed that President Ruto was not only aware of Raila's illness but had also facilitated his travel to India for treatment. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi further revealed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally ordered military honors for Odinga in India. This included an airlift of his body from Kochi to Mumbai on a military aircraft.
The death of Raila Odinga has triggered a battle for succession within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Raila Odinga's sister, Ruth Odinga, has warned against emerging factions within the party, revealing that party unity was her brother's "dying wish." She made the remarks during the burial ceremony at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo. This call for unity comes as the ODM faces potential rifts ahead of the 2027 General Election. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also declared his commitment to unifying the party to preserve what he terms as Raila's legacy.
At Raila Odinga's funeral service in Bondo, President William Ruto pledged to strengthen the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from internal threats and preserve its integrity. President Ruto promised to support and respect ODM, affirming its role within his government and stating a strong opposition is crucial for Kenya's stability. He hinted at a potential coalition between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election. During the service, Ruto also announced that the government will offer a state job to Raila's personal bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta. Correspondingly, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi vowed loyalty to President Ruto, stating that the late opposition leader had found a "sincere partner" in him.
Raila Odinga was laid to rest at his rural home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19. The state funeral included a rare 17-gun salute. The official State Funeral Service was held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where thousands gathered. Odinga's body arrived at the university under military escort for the somber occasion. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had announced that to ensure an orderly process, only about 500 people would be permitted at the gravesite for the final burial rites.
Several incidents were reported during the period of mourning for Raila Odinga. The family of Jidah Burka, a 42-year-old man, is seeking answers after he was shot dead at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during the public viewing of Odinga's body. At the Kenya-Tanzania border, a crowd stormed immigration offices demanding the release of Tanzanian opposition leader John Heche, who was reportedly detained while en route to the burial. Following the funeral service in Bondo, hundreds of mourners also stormed the private gravesite at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi after dignitaries had departed, defying the family's requests for a private ceremony.
At the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, 2025, several political leaders made statements regarding his legacy and the future of the ODM party. Siaya Governor James Orengo urged Kenyans to safeguard the democratic freedoms Odinga championed. President William Ruto vowed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will be part of future governments and pledged to protect the party from internal divisions. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed rejected the "political orphan" label and emphasized ODM's continued strength. Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Ali Hassan Joho, and Opiyo Wandayi reaffirmed their loyalty to Odinga's legacy and the ODM party. In her tribute, Winnie Odinga hinted at her readiness to serve under President Ruto's administration, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi delivered an emotional tribute.
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga was transported under tight security from his Opoda home to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) for his funeral service. Preparations were completed for the event, which included a church service on the university grounds. Ida Odinga arrived at the grounds to attend the service for her husband. Mourners gathered outside the university for the burial service, and medics were on site to attend to those who were injured.
Following the funeral of Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is at a crossroads, sparking discussions on its future leadership. The future of the ODM party was a central theme at the funeral, where leaders affirmed their commitment to collaborating with President William Ruto. However, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna warned against divisive politics and called for a review of the agreement between the ODM and UDA parties. Raila's sister, Ruth, also called for unity within ODM. President Ruto stated his belief that ODM will significantly influence the next government in 2027.
More than 10,000 people and thousands of mourners gathered in Bondo for the final farewell of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with many Kenyans traveling from across the country to attend. The body of Raila Odinga was interred with full military honors in Bondo, Siaya County. In recognition of his stature as a former Prime Minister, he was accorded a 17-gun salute. Odinga was laid to rest in a private ceremony at his home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi. After the body was laid to rest, mourners were heard wailing outside the Odinga residence.
22 billion shillings KDF projects stall after contractors abandoned sites. Safarilink denies claims of fare hikes on the Nairobi–Kisumu route. Gatabaki's widow given 30 days to release land transfer papers.
CS Murkomen urged police to stop using teargas on mourners at Kasarani during Odinga's public viewing. JKIA operations fully restored after disruptions from mourner influx. Meanwhile, a suspect in a GSU officer's arrow death faces 14-day detention for investigation.
President Ruto vows ODM will be central in future governments as leaders pay tribute to the late Raila Odinga. Winnie Odinga hints at joining Ruto's administration, while Junet Mohamed rejects the "political orphan" label.
Kenyan swimmers push for medals at the Africa Aquatics Zone Three Championship in Kasarani. Veteran footballer Humphrey Mieno continues to play at the highest level after 17 years.
India honoured Raila Odinga with military honours, including an airlift, reflecting his international stature. Domestically, President Ruto has pledged to support a strong ODM, respecting Odinga's legacy, and hinted at a potential UDA-ODM coalition. CS Wandayi affirmed loyalty to Ruto. Kalonzo Musyoka vowed to continue Odinga's political journey to "Canaan" in 2027. Odinga's family, including Oburu and Ruth Odinga, highlighted Odinga's health struggles and warned against ODM factions, emphasizing his "dying wish" for party unity.
