Raila’s body moved to Lee Funeral Home instead of Karen
The National Funeral Committee has issued a fresh update regarding the burial plans of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, whose passing has drawn deep sorrow and reflection across the nation.
In the latest statement released on Friday evening, the committee announced that Odinga’s body will no longer be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight stay as had earlier been scheduled. The change, according to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, was made due to what they described as “unavoidable circumstances.”
ODM’s Director of Communications, Philip Etale, conveyed that after the conclusion of the public viewing at the Nyayo National Stadium, the body would instead be transported back to the Lee Funeral Home for overnight preservation. This is to allow for proper preparation ahead of the airlifting to Kisumu on Saturday morning, where additional public ceremonies are expected to take place before the final burial.
“The national funeral committee wishes to announce to the public that due to unavoidable circumstances, the body of His Excellency the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight stay as earlier planned,” Etale said. “It will be taken back to the Lee Funeral Home for preservation in readiness for airlifting to Kisumu tomorrow morning.”
Throughout the day on Friday, thousands of Kenyans thronged the Nyayo National Stadium, where Odinga’s body lay in state. Mourners from all walks of life — from senior government officials to ordinary citizens — gathered to pay their final respects to a man widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures and democracy champions.
The final burial will take place on Sunday in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya, where Odinga was a lifelong member. The service is expected to draw local and international dignitaries, marking the final farewell to a leader whose legacy has left an indelible mark on the country’s political history.
Raila’s body moved to Lee Funeral Home instead of Karen
