Why Uhuru Was Cheered During Raila Odinga’s Funeral
Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello recently shared his thoughts on the warm welcome retired President Uhuru Kenyatta received at the funeral of the late Raila Odinga.
During a discussion on Thursday, October 30, Okello pointed out that Raila’s supporters applauded Uhuru as a way to express their gratitude for his backing during the 2022 general election.
He emphasized that this was a rare moment for Raila’s supporters to show appreciation to the former Head of State since the 2022 polls.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta really helped Raila Odinga to vie for the presidency in the last elections. He has never met Kenyans who are ardent supporters of Raila to thank him for the support that never yielded fruit.
“So, when they met him for the first time at Nyayo Stadium and in Bondo, they could only cheer him as a sign of thank you,” said Okello.
The Nyando MP emphasized that the warm welcome shouldn’t be interpreted as a political loyalty to Uhuru. Okello mentioned that the supporters of the late ODM leader are now rallying behind President William Ruto.
“That cannot be equated to now, ODM supporters rallying behind Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru cannot stand for anything now.
“In fact, we have since moved. We are working with President William Ruto, and we hope Dr Oburu Oginga in the next round of negotiations, he will only negotiate with Ruto,” he added
Uhuru received a warm welcome from Raila’s supporters during the State Funeral held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 17, and again in Bondo, Siaya on October 19, 2025.
In his heartfelt speech at the State Funeral, Uhuru reminisced about the times he and Raila would relax after a long day at work, sharing what he affectionately referred to as a ‘small thing.’
“I have a short story. You know, sometimes after work, Raila and I just chill, we would be given a small thing -‘drink,'” Uhuru said, prompting laughter from the crowd.
“We would wonder about all those who came before us. Julius Nyerere, Jaramogi Oginga, Jomo Kenyatta. And we would wonder what they talk about when they look down on us? Do they laugh at the things we are doing, at the plans we make as we try to accomplish things? That is what we would ask ourselves,” Uhuru said.
He pictured Raila standing shoulder to shoulder with the great leaders they often talked about, deep in conversation with the legendary figures of Africa’s fight for freedom.
“Now I’m wondering if my brother, Raila, has left before me. I know you are already in conversation. What are you saying to them? I’m in no rush to join you, but I pray to God to keep us long,” he further said.
Why Uhuru Was Cheered During Raila Odinga’s Funeral
