Deputy President and the Chair of the State Funeral Committee, Kithure Kindiki, has urged leaders attending the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to remain respectful and avoid turning the emotional occasion into a political rally.

Speaking during the ongoing burial ceremony of the late Raila Odinga in Bondo on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Kindiki said that some leaders normally use the ceremony to push political messages, warning that the event should be about honouring the late leader’s legacy, not political point-scoring.

“I want to request everyone who will get a chance to speak to take note of today’s occasion, mourning the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, that is the point,” He said.

Kindiki added that any attempt to politicise the burial would be disrespectful not only to the Odinga family but also to Kenyans who had gathered to pay their last respects. He made it clear that the government would not tolerate any disruption or unnecessary drama at the event, saying that anything that doesn’t align with the day’s occasion will be done on another day.

“We want to finish this in dignity and sovereignty, and anything else on the side can be dealt with on another occasion,” he concluded.

The Deputy President emphasised that the security arrangements in Bondo and its surrounding areas were well-coordinated to ensure peace throughout the day. He assured mourners that the government had taken all measures to allow Kenyans to pay their final respects peacefully.

He concluded by calling on leaders and citizens alike to uphold decorum, saying that those who get the chance to speak should not divert to other things.

Kindiki’s statement comes as thousands of mourners, dignitaries, and world leaders gathered at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Bondo for Raila’s final send-off, marking the end of an era in Kenya’s political history.