It seems the late former prime minister, Raila Odinga, while writing his will and setting a 72-hour mourning period, never anticipated the love and emotional devastation he would cause to Kenyans who loved him passionately.

He never realised that 72 hours would not be enough to mourn him. Indeed, he forgot the immense role he played in the political arena, the massive support he had accumulated over the years, and the fact that he was the only person who could draw huge crowds without monetary incentives or handouts.

 Limiting his mourning period to 72 hours has deeply pained the very people he so dearly loved – those who were even willing to be jailed while fighting for the ideals he stood for.

Why family should reconsider

It is now upon his family to reconsider this decision, having witnessed the overwhelming concern and support from Kenyans.

The fanatical love the people have shown and the massive crowds that continue to gather even in his death clearly demonstrate that the mourning period should be extended, perhaps by two more days.

The tragic deaths that occurred at Kasarani, where four people lost their lives and over 100 others were hospitalised, happened because Kenyans were desperate to view his body within the limited time provided.

A single day was not enough for Raila Odinga. The stampede occurred because everyone wanted to confirm, with their own eyes, that the former prime minister had truly rested.

The family had already gone against his initial wish by extending the period by a day, counting the 72-hour window from the time his body arrived in Kenya, even though he had died a day earlier.

Extending it by another two days would not hurt him; in fact, his spirit would likely be at peace knowing it was done out of love and respect for his supporters. The four deaths would have pained him even more deeply.

Parliament viewing

Parliament, where Raila Odinga served for 15 years, at one point even resigning to seek a fresh mandate because he disagreed with his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who was then his party leader, should have honoured him more.

His body only lying there for a few hours was unfair, considering that he mentored many of the current leaders and was instrumental in shaping numerous political careers. It would have been wise for Parliament to dedicate at least a full day to honour him.

Nyanza deserves more time

Giving the Nyanza region just one day to view his body is still not enough. The locals were always ready to do whatever Raila asked of them; they were ever prepared to take to the streets whenever he called.

Whenever he lost elections, they mourned with him. Dedicating only one day to the entire region risks another stampede, as everyone wants to pay their last respects, knowing the time is limited.

Past state funerals

Looking at past state funerals of former presidents, stampedes never occurred because there was ample time for public viewing. Although only a day remains before his burial, it is not too late to revise the plan.

Even if it means the family must “negotiate” with Raila’s spirit to reconsider his wish, he would surely understand and gladly change his mind for the sake of his people.

Farewell worthy of Raila’s legacy

Raila Odinga was not just a politician; he was a movement, a voice, and a symbol of resilience. His story is intertwined with Kenya’s own struggle for democracy, justice, and equality. The outpouring of emotion seen across the country is proof that he belongs to the people as much as he belongs to his family.

Extending his mourning period is not an act of defiance; it is an act of love and gratitude. It is about giving Kenyans the space to honour a man who walked with them through decades of pain, hope, and change.

For a leader who gave his life to the people, granting them more time to say goodbye would not only be a gesture of compassion but also the truest reflection of the unity he always fought for.