We can’t stop Raila’s Burial
The court has decided not to issue an order to halt the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which is set to take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
This decision came after an individual filed a petition to prevent the swift burial of the statesman, claiming it contradicts Luo customs and traditions.
Justice Chacha Mwita stated that the petitioner failed to prove that the burial process was against the deceased’s wishes, which would have allowed the court to consider the request for a temporary order. He also voiced his concerns about the urgency surrounding the case.
“This matter coming up for directions on the Notice of Motion and Petition, both dated 16th October 2025 before Honourable Justice E C Mwita and upon considering the pleadings, I am not satisfied on the urgency of this matter,” he ruled.
“The applicant has not demonstrated that the process is being undertaken contrary to the wishes of the deceased to enable this court to act on the request for the conservatory orders,” the statement by the court added.
Odinga is scheduled to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in accordance with his wishes to be buried 72 hours after his passing.
Court documents reveal that the man contended that Odinga was deeply devoted to the traditions of the Luo community before he died.
He mentioned that back in 2020, Odinga was honored as an elder by the Luo Council of Elders in Bondo, Siaya County.
The petitioners argued that Odinga deserves a burial filled with the honor and respect that a Luo warrior merits, and that hurrying the burial would tarnish his legacy.
He drew parallels between Odinga’s significance and that of Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Tom Mboya, all of whom received grand send-offs that reflected their contributions.
Additionally, he pointed out that the supposed wish to bury Odinga within 72 hours hasn’t been verified by any witnesses, asserting that such a quick burial would disrupt the traditional mourning process.
The man emphasized that a hurried burial would infringe upon Article 44 of the Constitution, which safeguards cultural rights.
We can’t stop Raila’s Burial
