The late Raila Odinga was on Sunday, October 19, accorded a 17-gun salute as part of his state funeral in what was a rare honour reserved for Kenya's most distinguished leaders.
In an emotional ceremony at the former Prime Minister's rural home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, Raila was laid to rest next to his late dad, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who happens to be Kenya's first Vice President.
The 17-gun salute remains one of the most symbolic military tributes during a burial ceremony, with Raila being accorded the same based on his political status.
Gun salutes are ceremonial honours typically performed using cannons or rifles to show respect, honour and recognition to a personality during state events like funerals or visits by high-ranking individuals.
While gun salutes were historically used by naval ships, which would fire cannons out to sea to show another ship that they were not hostile, they have evolved into a symbolic show of trust and respect.
Notably, the number of shots from a cannon depends on the status or rank of an individual or event being honoured. The highest honour is a 21-gun salute, which is typically reserved for a sitting Head of State.
The second-highest rank entails a 19-gun salute, which is typically accorded to a former Head of State.
This is closely followed by a 17-gun salute, which is accorded to former heads of government such as Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents and other top dignitaries. The late Raila Odinga falls perfectly in this category.
Having served as the Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government, Raila held one of the country's highest constitutional offices.
Beyond the title, the late ODM party leader also has decades of public service, including championing multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and electoral justice, which made him a monumental figure in Kenyan politics.
Having been accorded a state burial, Raila's casket was draped with the Kenyan flag in a gesture which symbolised honour, dignity and gratitude for service rendered to the country.
Further, his state burial also entailed a military escort, ceremonial drill and national tributes from tens of dignitaries, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Raila now joins a small group of Kenyans who have been accorded state funerals, including Jomo Kenyatta (1978), Michael Kijana Wamalwa (2003), Wangari Maathai (2011), Lucy Kibaki (2016), Daniel Arap Moi (2020), and Mwai Kibaki (2022).
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