Mourners arrive at Raila's Opoda Farm for night vigil

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's Opoda's residence where mourners have gathered for a night vigil / Screengrab

Mourners from across the Nyanza and Western regions and the country have thronged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Opoda farm in Bondo for a night vigil.

The mourners are eagerly waiting for the former prime minister’s body to arrive in Kisumu on Saturday morning and head to Bondo by road for viewing.

This is even as security has been beefed up as thousands of mourners expected at his residence to condole with the family.

There was a beehive of activities as lorries were seen making their way into the home.

Mourners were seen going in by foot while others were seen aboard lorries and hooting as they entered Raila’s residence.

On Thursday, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga arrived at the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s residence in Bondo to officially communicates his brother’s death to the larger family and the community.

The move officially opened Raila’s home to allow mourners to condole with the family. Mama Ida Odinga was best placed to make the official announcement of Raila’s death; however, given the time constraints, Oburu had to step in for the role.

According to the Luo traditions, the process is called 'tero ywak pacho,' meaning taking the cry home.

Oburu, being Jaramogi's eldest son, essentially opened his brother's house to mourners and told the clan, elders, and Raila's peers that they have a funeral and they have lost a son, and the logistical steps that follow.

He also informed the community and planning committee on the plans that have been made ahead of Raila's burial.

A group of mourners had gathered at Raila's Bondo home to condole the family.

Thousands of mourners attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Many carried national flags and portraits of the late leader and wore T-shirts printed with his image to pay their final respects.

Security remained tight in and around the stadium, with police and military officers deployed to prevent a recurrence of the unrest witnessed on Thursday during the body-viewing ceremony at Kasarani Stadium.

Raila's body was wheeled in the stadium in a ceremonial military procession as mourners broke into chants, whistles, and songs.

They chanted "Raila usilale, bado mapambano", a popular Swahili political slogan, which translates as "Raila, don't sleep, the struggle is not over."

Raila, one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, died in India on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment.

His passing has drawn tributes from world leaders, business executives, and citizens who credit him for his role in advancing multiparty democracy, devolution, and governance reforms.