Final Journey Comes to an End: Raila Rests in Bondo Next to Father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga

Raila Odinga, the former prime minister, was buried in Bondo with full KDF honors, including an unprecedented 17-gun salute.

At his family’s residence in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga was buried today, Sunday, October 19, 2025. With with military honors, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) staged a solemn and historic farewell ceremony.

In honor of the opposition leader’s decades-long contribution to the nation’s democratic path, President William Ruto decided to give Raila an official funeral complete with national and military honors. Following the announcement of his death, a presidential proclamation was made that was consistent with this.

Draped in the Kenyan flag, Raila’s coffin was respectfully placed next to his father’s tomb, which was that of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president.

Salute to the 17-Gun

At precisely 4:53 p.m., the KDF artillery unit blasted 17 rounds into the air, marking the burial’s most symbolic moment.

This forceful salutation was significant and momentous. A current president of Kenya is saluted with 21 guns, while a previous president is saluted with 19 rounds, according to military custom. 

Despite never serving as president, Raila’s enormous contribution to Kenya’s political history was recognized with the 17-round salute. 

The explosions, which reverberated across Bondo, represented the high regard the country has for his lifetime of dedication to freedom, justice, and democracy.

A statesman’s journey came to an end a few moments later when a lone bugler sounded the customary “last post.”

Leaders Offer Last Remembrance

The ceremony was attended by members of the immediate family, international dignitaries, and national leaders. These included Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria, Uhuru Kenyatta, and President William Ruto.

At the burial service held earlier in the day at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), President Ruto led the country in remembrance. “One patriot whose vision and courage transformed our republic,” he said.

Additionally, Ruto was open about the death’s personal toll, pointing out that their relationship had changed from one of political rivalry to one of respect. Many pundits claim that this is a major setback for me. Indeed, it is. That is a huge setback,” Ruto said.

The burial concluded a three-day public funeral attended by thousands of people who paid their respects to the long-serving opposition leader, who held the role of second prime minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013 under a power-sharing system.

In honor of a man who significantly influenced Kenya’s political future, there was a spirit of introspection as the closing prayers were recited.