Willis Otieno visits Raila’s grave, says it’s still hard to accept his death
By Faith Lagat, October 25, 2025Kenyan politician and Safina Party Deputy President Designate, Willis Otieno, has revisited the grave of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka’Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, nearly two weeks after his passing.
Sharing his emotions on X on October 25, 2025, Otieno expressed the lingering pain of loss, stating, “Visited Baba’s grave at Kang’o Ka’Jaramogi and condoled with Mama Idah one more time, it’s not easy accepting Baba’s demise up to this moment.”
His message resonated deeply with many Kenyans still coming to terms with the death of the veteran opposition leader, who succumbed to cardiac arrest on October 15 while receiving treatment in Kochi, India.
Mourning a towering figure
Raila’s passing at the age of 80 continues to evoke grief across the nation. The former Prime Minister, who for decades shaped Kenya’s political landscape, left behind a legacy that transcended party lines.
Otieno’s emotional visit to the Odinga family home mirrored the widespread sense of disbelief and sorrow among supporters and political allies alike.
ODM Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure also reflected on the magnitude of Raila’s loss during an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast on October 24.
Describing Raila as a mentor, father figure, and friend, McOure said, “Mimi sikuwai imagine Baba atakufa. Nilijua ataishi hadi 100 or 150 years, na aende kwa mountain turn into ashes. I sobbed like a baby. To me, he was a friend.”
He recounted Raila’s personal guidance and generosity, including financial support amounting to about 8,000 US dollars for a trip to the United States, illustrating the late leader’s deep commitment to nurturing young politicians.
Continuity of the Odinga legacy
As the country mourns, the Odinga family has begun its transition to a new chapter of leadership. On October 23, 2025, Raila Odinga Junior was formally installed as the head of the family in a traditional ceremony held at Opoda Farm in Bondo.
The ritual included a symbolic shaving ceremony and presentation of a spear, shield, and headpiece, signifying the passing of responsibility. The event was attended by political leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Legacy beyond politics
Willis Otieno, in his earlier tribute shared on October 16, described Raila as “beyond the presidency,” comparing his influence to global icons such as Mao Zedong and Nelson Mandela.
“For the last 30 years, Raila Odinga has been what I call the definer of how the Kenyan people organize themselves,” he said.
As Kenya reflects on his decades-long fight for democracy, Raila’s absence continues to be felt across political and personal spaces, with tributes like Otieno’s underscoring the depth of his enduring impact.