Wamalwa recalls Raila’s kindness, wit during his family’s darkest moments
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 17, 2025Former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has stated that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga stood by his family during their darkest moments, showing both kindness and humour even in times of grief.
Speaking through a post on X on Friday morning, October 17, 2025, Wamalwa said he was filled with emotion as he joined mourners at Nyayo Stadium to honour what he called the doyen and enigma of Kenyan politics. He shared two moments that revealed the personal compassion of a man many only knew through politics.
“I couldn’t help but remember how he mourned my late brother Mike, arriving in Kitale with bulls,” Wamalwa wrote.
“I also recall one of the most trying moments during my tenure as a minister under President Uhuru Kenyatta, when Raila arrived unannounced at the requiem mass of my late sister-in-law, Yvonne Wamalwa, at Consolata Shrine in Westlands just days after he had been sworn in as the People’s President at Uhuru Park. I didn’t even know how to introduce him, and I’ll never forget how witty he was that day.”
Raila’s Body lies in state at Parliament
Earlier in the morning, Raila’s body was taken to Parliament Buildings, where it lay in state before being moved to Nyayo National Stadium for the State Funeral scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. The brief stop at Parliament was meant to allow final preparations and offer Kenyans a moment to reflect on his public service.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the National Committee for the State Funeral, said the ceremony at Nyayo will last two hours and include full military honours, a sermon by the Anglican Church of Kenya, and tributes from local and international leaders.
Public viewing to continue at Nyayo
After the official ceremony, members of the public will again have an opportunity to view Raila’s body at Nyayo Stadium. The viewing will start at noon and continue into the afternoon.
“We will stretch the opportunity from around 12 noon to as far as possible to give the highest number of mourners an opportunity to mourn and pay last respects to their departed leader,” Kindiki said.
Thursday’s viewing at Kasarani Stadium had drawn thousands of mourners, prompting the government to extend hours and move part of the event to Parliament due to logistical concerns.
President William Ruto led the nation in viewing the body, followed by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, and members of the Odinga family. Raila’s casket, draped in the national flag and bearing the Coat of Arms, symbolised the state honours accorded to him.
Private burial in Bondo
According to Raila’s elder brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, the burial will take place on Sunday in Bondo, Siaya County, in a private ceremony attended by only a few people. The ceremony will follow a service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
Oginga said Raila will be laid to rest next to their parents at the family home.
“We will give Raila a dignified send-off which he deserves, as a dignified son of this land,” he said.
After the State Funeral, Raila’s body will spend the night at his Karen home before leaving for Kisumu on Saturday for public viewing at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo. From there, the procession will continue to Bondo for the final journey.