Mama Ida Odinga arrives at Opoda farm, Bondo/SCREENGRABMama Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, made her solemn return to the family’s home in Opoda Farm, Bondo, on Saturday under tight security.
Her arrival marked the first time she set foot at the homestead since the announcement of her husband’s passing earlier this week, a moment that drew deep emotion from mourners who had already begun gathering in large numbers.
Security was visibly heightened as military personnel and police officers moved in to control the swelling crowd outside the residence.
The turnout reflected the depth of grief and respect felt across Siaya County, where Raila Odinga has long been regarded as both a political figure and a community elder.
Despite the officers’ efforts to maintain order, mourners pressed close to the gates of the farm, eager to catch a glimpse of Mama Ida and express their solidarity with the grieving family, with some even climbing trees to get a better view.
Dressed in sombre black attire and black spectacles, Mama Ida emerged composed but visibly moved by the gravity of the moment.
She was accompanied by her daughter, Winnie Odinga, also clad in black, alongside other family members who stood by her as she made her way into the compound.
Security officers quickly shut the gates behind them, symbolising both the privacy the family now needs and the magnitude of the grief that has engulfed the household.
Plans are underway to transport Raila’s body from the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, where thousands of Kenyans have lined up for public viewing over the course of the day.
Raila's body will be airlifted from Kisumu to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya county, this evening for a night vigil ahead of his burial on Sunday.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the body will not be transported by road as earlier planned. Instead, it will be flown directly from Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium to Bondo for logistical and security reasons.
Omollo said the decision was reached after consultations with the National Funeral Steering Committee and the family, to ensure the late opposition leader receives a dignified and well-coordinated send-off.
As Kenya continues to reel from the loss of one of its most prominent statesmen, the scenes in Bondo highlight the deep connection between Raila Odinga, his family, and the community that has walked with him throughout his public life.
