Orengo urges peace ahead of Raila’s final journey to Bondo
By Faith Lagat, October 18, 2025As the country mourns the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a strong appeal for peace and order ahead of Raila’s final journey to his ancestral home in Bondo on Sunday, October 19.
Speaking on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Orengo emphasised the need for restraint and unity amid growing crowds following the arrival of Raila’s remains in Kisumu earlier in the day.
Public viewing and family arrangements
Orengo outlined plans for the viewing of the body in Bondo, underscoring the family’s privacy.
“I know that shortly Raila’s remains are going to be brought here in Bondo, to the final resting place. When the body arrives, it will be here in the home, not for viewing but for family and other close relatives.”
“Otherwise, there’s a place that has been set aside just across where the members of the public and the community in Siaya will be able to view the body of our departed leader,” he stated.
He urged residents to maintain calm during this period, noting that previous viewing events had proceeded smoothly. Thousands of mourners had earlier converged on Mamboleo Showground in Kisumu, where the body was flown by a military helicopter from Kisumu International Airport for the final public viewing outside Nairobi.
Tight Security and Logistical Changes
Security was heightened across Kisumu and Siaya counties, with officers deployed to manage large crowds. The Kenya Defence Forces airlifted Raila’s body from Nairobi to Kisumu to avert the road congestion witnessed earlier in the week. The funeral committee, chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, made last-minute adjustments to ensure smooth proceedings, including shifting the arrival to Mamboleo to avoid stampedes. ODM reinforced this by directing that no speeches be made at the viewing venue, urging mourners to remain orderly.
Tributes and final preparations
Tributes poured in from across the country. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa led the Luhya community in a traditional honor by delivering bulls to the Odinga family. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and other leaders joined the gesture, highlighting longstanding ties between the communities. Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot and Raila’s brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, also urged mourners to conduct themselves with dignity as the nation prepares for the burial.
The burial will be finally held at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, in line with Raila’s wish to be interred within 72 hours.