Live Updates: Raila's Funeral Service in Bondo

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has pledged to stand for the values the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga stood for amid the tears and pain of a stolen election.

"I want to say goodbye to my friend, my brother, Raila Odinga. To me, Raila was a brother, the pain and struggle for justice and the fight against corruption. Let Raila rest in peace," said Kalonzo.

"We called you Joshua, but we never got to Canaan because there were crocodiles across the river Jordan. You have been to the Mountain top and you may never get there, but we must get there on your behalf," he added.

James Orengo:  Before you open your mouth to speak against Raila, remember what he has fought for and stood for.  We must continue to say that Raila’s votes were stolen in 2017. This made us swear him in as the people’s president. And that’s the day I knew some people wear trousers and they shouldn’t.

Raila was a fighter. A fighter for justice and democracy all his life. There are those leading political parties and abusing Raila…woe unto you.

"In 2027, we will not be in the opposition; we will either be in government or we will be the government." He added, "We didn’t betray Baba in life. We will not betray him in his death. ODM will remain committed to a broad-based government."

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has said that the party will heed Raila’s words ahead of the 2027 general elections of fronting candidates in all the elective positions in the next general elections.

He also expressed gratitude to Odinga for choosing him as the party Secretary General.

"I want to encourage ODM party members to listen to Kenyans. Raila spoke openly last month at a hotel in Nairobi and urged us to prepare for the 2027 general elections. We will strictly follow his directive without being swayed," Sifuna said.

Homa Bay Governor and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party chairperson, Gladys Wanga, has proposed the renaming of Talanta Stadium, which is currently under construction, to Raila Odinga Stadium.

He called on President Ruto to rename the stadium and invite Odinga's favourite team, the Arsenal, to the stadium for a match against Harambee Stars.

"Ruto, I want to ask you, when Talanta Stadium is complete, rename it to Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium. Since both you and Raila are Arsenal fans, when the stadium is complete, invite Arsenal to play against the Harambee Stars in Raila's honour," Wanga said.

Raila Odinga's elder brother, Oburu Oginga Odinga, has commended President William Ruto for supporting the former Prime Minister's family in facilitating the burial of the ODM party leader.

"I would like to thank His Excellency the President, who has stood with us, right from the time I told him that Raila was sick, we were with him, and he was the one who organised the transport for Raila's treatment in India," Oburu said.

"He always checked on the progress of Raila's treatment. The day Raila died, I first called him and told him Raila was in a very critical condition," he added.

Clad in a black, long dress, Raila Odinga's wife, Mama Ida Odinga, has eulogised her husband. She thanked Kenyans, local, regional and global leaders for mourning Raila.

She said, " Thank you, the people of Kenya, Africa and the world, for helping me mourn the father of my children, Raila. I accept the will of God."

In her speech, she also commended former President Uhuru Kenyatta, terming him Raila's true friend. "She stood with us; she is a true friend."

According to Ida, it never crossed her mind that she would be married to a politician. "I swore to marry a calm, professional man, not one who loved politics. Little did I know I was marrying a political engineer," she said.

"Initially, I did not know his lifelong project, from the time of events I came to understand first hand, the meaning of still waters run deep, he was a calm person, and as we lived, I realised he was a deep thinker."

The son and daughters of Raila Odinga eulogising their father and appreciating his staff while asserting his legacy will go on.

Winnie Odinga said, “They wrote for me a speech, but I have nothing to say other than thanking the staff of Baba and President Ruto. On behalf of the Odinga family, thank you all for your love and service.”

Finishing her speech with the remark, “The king is dead, but long live the crown.”

The eldest daughter, Rosemary Odinga, eulogised Raila, saying, “Because my father worked with others, our family will continue working with others in his honour.”

Raila Odinga Jr took time to remind Kenyans of things they will miss. These include his famous vitendawilis: “You gave all of us your life, stayed with us, and showed us how to live a good life. Thank you.”

Adding, “We will miss your vitendawilis, your laughter, your joy, and the unique dance moves you loved to share.”

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body arrives at JOOUST under strict military guard for burial service.

Raila Odinga's body arrives at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, October 19, 2025.

Photo

Screengrabs Ctizen TV

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has mourned the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, terming him as a 'unique leader'. 

Speaking ahead of his funeral service in Bondo, Murkomen insisted that although Raila has left, he does not foresee any gaps. He argues Raila has taught many who can step up. 

"We will miss him. Raila was such a unique leader in our country. He embodied the principle that leadership is not the position; it is the service you give. And it is because of his service that we have come to appreciate who he was and the service he gave," Murkomen mourned.