Uhuru, Ida View Raila’s Body
President William Ruto has officially opened the state viewing for the late Raila Odinga’s body.
The somber event took place at Kasarani Stadium, where the public had the opportunity to pay their respects. The President took a moment to honor his former political rival, who had become an ally in the inclusive government.
Raila, who had been at the helm of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) since 2005, was laid to rest in a suit, with an orange scarf elegantly draped over his shoulders and his iconic hat resting on the coffin.
The hat, which his daughter Winnie Odinga brought back from India after he passed away, was given to his mother, Ida Odinga, in the VIP Lounge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before it was placed on the casket at Kasarani.
President Ruto, flanked by heavy security and military officials, stepped forward to pay his respects. He took a moment to pause, leaning slightly and bowing his head as military officers saluted in honor of the late former Prime Minister.
Following this, Raila Odinga’s family was invited to the stage. His widow, Ida Odinga, along with their children, Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga, approached the body in quiet reflection, their expressions heavy with sorrow.
A Luo traditional leader, adorned in full cultural attire, stepped up with a whisk in hand, performing traditional rites to honor the departed leader before gracefully leaving the stage.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, dressed in his signature casual checked shirt, was the next to pay his respects. Having supported Raila during the 2022 presidential race after their handshake in 2018, Uhuru seemed deep in thought as he approached the casket. He bowed his head in a gesture of respect before quietly leaving the area, with his aide in a black suit closely following behind.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also took their turns to view the body, followed by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, who rendered a final military salute before the stage was opened up to other high-ranking government officials.
Uhuru, Ida View Raila’s Body
