Uhuru visits Raila Odinga’s grave in Bondo on Mashujaa Day
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 20, 2025Former President Uhuru Kenyatta visited the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, his family home in Bondo, Siaya County, on Monday, October 20, 2025. The visit came just a day after the national icon was laid to rest.
Uhuru was accompanied by Raila’s elder brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, close family members, and political allies. Videos and photos from the visit show the former president standing in quiet reflection before the flower-decked grave, raising his hand in a silent gesture of respect for the man he once called a brother and comrade in Kenya’s struggle for unity.
During Raila’s state funeral on Sunday, October 19, Uhuru delivered an emotional eulogy, recalling their decades-long friendship and partnership in nation-building. “Jakom, we shall miss you as a leader of this nation. We shall miss your insights, thoughtfulness, wisdom, and laughter,” Uhuru said.
He described Raila as a courageous statesman whose vision shaped Kenya’s democratic journey, noting the historic 2018 handshake that restored calm after a tense post-election period.
Raila Odinga was accorded a full state funeral, including a 17-gun salute, military honours, and national mourning. The ceremony at his family home in Bondo brought together thousands of mourners, including President William Ruto. Odinga was laid to rest beside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, with his iconic hat and fly whisk placed beside him, symbols of his leadership and identity.
Nation honours Raila
On Monday, during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui, President William Ruto posthumously conferred on Raila the highest honour in Kenya, the Chief of the Golden Heart (CGH). Ruto said the award recognises Raila’s extraordinary contributions and enduring legacy.
“The government and people of Kenya inscribe Hon Raila Odinga’s name among the foremost of our heroes,” Ruto said.
The award highlights Raila’s career as a university lecturer, parliamentarian, Cabinet member, Prime Minister, and opposition leader, as well as his commitment to democracy and Pan-Africanism.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) also paid tribute to their late leader.
“On this day, our SHUJAA remains RAILA AMOLO ODINGA,” the party declared.
The party has appointed Senator Oburu Oginga as Acting Leader to guide ODM through the transition, maintaining unity and political direction.