In a moving final gesture of honour and respect, the Kenyan military presented the national flag to Mama Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ida was presented with the flag after Raila was laid to rest at his Opoda Farm home in Siaya County.
The presentation of the flag symbolised the nation's deep gratitude for Raila’s lifelong service and sacrifice — a tribute to a man who, for over four decades, stood at the forefront of Kenya’s most pivotal democratic struggles.
Raila, who passed away on October 15 in Kochi, India, at the age of 80, was laid to rest with full military honours.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) accorded him a 17-gun salute during the state burial ceremony held at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
In Kenya’s military tradition, a 21-gun salute is reserved for a sitting president, while former presidents receive 19 rounds.
The 17 rounds conferred on Raila underscored his exceptional stature as a national leader — not a president, but a man who shaped Kenya’s destiny in enduring ways.
Raila’s political career was defined by resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
From his imprisonment during the single-party era to leading the charge for constitutional reforms, Raila became a symbol of resistance and transformation in Kenya.
He played a central role in the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in the early 1990s, helping usher in the return to multiparty democracy.
His contribution to the landmark 2010 Constitution further solidified his place in Kenya’s democratic history.
Despite repeated electoral losses and political persecution, Raila remained a unifying figure and a champion for social justice, equity, and inclusive governance.
His ability to evolve from opposition leader to statesman won him respect both at home and across Africa.
Saturday’s burial ceremony capped a week-long period of national mourning, which saw the Kenyan flag fly at half-mast across the country and at Kenyan missions abroad.
President William Ruto, in a national address on October 15, described Raila as “a foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons.”
“Kenya, Africa, and the world mourn the passing of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior for good governance,” Ruto said. “Raila Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our Republic — a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, and hope.”
Ruto led the state funeral dignitaries. In attendance were former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
