Cabinet Secretaries, MPs arrive at JOOUST ahead of Raila Odinga burial service
By Luke Oluoch, October 19, 2025Politicians and other leaders have started streaming in at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) for the funeral service of the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
A spot check by People Daily Digital showed leaders and a delegation of mourners being forced to wade through a narrow strait manned by both the military and regular police officers towards the main dais.
Presidential aspirant and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi(Energy and Petroleum), John Mbadi(Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya(Cooperatives, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are among the politicians who made their way to the dais a few minutes before 8:00 am.
The foregoing came as the military maintained a heavy presence at the late Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm, just a 15-minute drive from the university, where the family is scheduled to make its procession to the learning institution.
The expansive farm was under heavy security on Saturday evening after Raila Odinga’s remains landed at the scene, shortly after Mama Ida Odinga arrived there for the first time since the demise of her husband.
Busy Day at JOOUST
A fleet of cars was seen lining up in the compound’s main entrance ahead of an imminent start of the procession to Jaramogi University.
Earlier on, the university grounds were a hive of activity as the military officials and police officers worked earnestly to prepare the area where the body of the late premier would be placed.
The entire floor where the casket will rest has been covered with a red carpet, with the personnel tasked with the planning all draped in ceremonial uniforms: a maroon tunic, a hat, and black trousers with red stripes.
The interment service and a sermon by the Anglican church will precede Raila’s funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga grounds, before the military takes over for the remaining rites, according to the regulations and traditions of a state burial.