Raila accorded full state honours as thousands bid farewell at Nyayo Stadium

Fallen former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga was on Friday accorded full state honours as his body left Parliament Buildings for the Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands of Kenyans gathered to pay their last respects to the veteran opposition leader.

The solemn convoy, led by military outriders and a ceremonial gun carriage, transported the remains of the late statesman through the streets of Nairobi in a display of national reverence rarely seen for a political figure.

The thunderous cheers that greeted the cortege at Nyayo Stadium reflected the deep affection and respect Kenyans held for the man fondly known as Baba.

The ceremony mirrored the pomp and precision of presidential events.

As the gun carriage made its way around the stadium, the crowd waved flags and orange ribbons, the signature colour of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, chanting songs that celebrated his decades-long struggle for democracy and justice.

In death, Raila Odinga received the honours that had eluded him in life. Despite five attempts at the presidency, he remained an enduring symbol of Kenya’s fight for reform and equality.

Hundreds of security personnel drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, and the National Youth Service (NYS) maintained tight security at the stadium.

The heavy deployment followed chaotic scenes the previous day, when mourners overwhelmed security officers during the body’s arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Earlier in the morning, Raila’s body had lain in state at Parliament Buildings, where President William Ruto led national leaders, dignitaries, and foreign envoys in viewing the body and signing a condolence book.

The state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium was presided over by the Anglican Church of Kenya, where Raila was a lifelong member.

 Bishop David Kodia of the ACK Bondo Diocese delivered a powerful sermon, describing Raila as a principled leader who abhorred corruption and dedicated his life to a fairer society.

“Raila loved his country deeply. He could not buy support with his wallet — he won hearts through conviction,” said Bishop Kodia, drawing loud applause from mourners.

Family members, led by his widow Ida Odinga and children, watched somberly as the ceremony unfolded.

Raila Odinga, 80, died on October 15 in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His body will be flown to Siaya on Saturday ahead of his burial on Sunday at his ancestral home in Bondo.

As the military band played the national anthem and the flag-draped coffin was lowered from the gun carriage, it marked the final journey of a man whose name will forever be etched in Kenya’s democratic history.