53% of Mt Kenya residents pleased by how govt handled Raila’s death – survey
By Aloys Michael, December 23, 2025Many Kenyans were pleased by how the State handled the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
This is according to the latest report released by TIFA on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
According to the survey, 53 per cent of Mt.Kenya people were satisfied with how the whole process was carried out rrom State funeral to his burial ceremony at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
However, 29 per cent were somewhat satisfied while 6 per cent were not completely satisfied.
Raila died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing specialised treatment in India. He was given a state funeral in Kenya in recognition of his decades of service to the country’s political progress, democracy, and stability.
President William Ruto highlighted his contributions beyond politics, his leadership, and his role in advancing multi-party democracy and the 2010 Constitution.
This rare honour for someone who was not a President reflected his legendary status and enduring impact on the nation.
From public body viewing to the 17-gun salute remains one of the most symbolic military tributes during a burial ceremony, with Raila being accorded the same based on his political status.
Gun salutes are ceremonial honours typically performed using cannons or rifles to show respect, honour and recognition to a personality during state events like funerals or visits by high-ranking individuals.
Having served as the Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government, Raila held one of the country’s highest constitutional offices.
Having been accorded a state burial, Raila’s casket was draped with the Kenyan flag in a gesture which symbolised honour, dignity and gratitude for service rendered to the country.
Further, his state burial also entailed a military escort, ceremonial drill and national tributes from tens of dignitaries, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Notably, the Central Rift and Western lead in the residents who were satisfied with the government’s handling of Raila’s end of an era ceremony.
Central Rift, for instance, 78 per cent of residents were happy, while 19 per cent were somewhat satisfied, and only 3 per cent were completely dissatisfied with the whole exercise.
On the other hand, in the Western region, 68 per cent of people were satisfied, 21 per cent were somewhat satisfied, and 10 per cent were not satisfied with the government.
Surprisingly, in his turf where it was expected to have the highest number of people pleased by how the bigwig was laid to rest, just 54 per cent were satisfied, 39 per cent were somewhat satisafied and 6 per cent were not satisfied.