A giant of democracy: Rachel Ruto pays heartfelt tribute to Raila
By Mustafa Juma, October 15, 2025First Lady Rachel Ruto has joined Kenyans and the international community in mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Taking to her official X account on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, night, Mama Rachel described Raila as “Kenya’s foremost statesman, a fearless freedom fighter, and a giant of democracy whose voice, vision, and conviction shaped our nation’s story.”
The First Lady paid glowing tribute to the late Odinga, who died earlier in the day while undergoing treatment in India.
“We join the nation in mourning the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H, Kenya’s foremost statesman, a fearless freedom fighter, and a giant of democracy whose voice, vision, and conviction shaped our nation’s story,” she stated.
Also watch: Ichung’wah fights back tears while paying tribute to late Raila Odinga.
Message to Mama Ida
She extended her condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, their children—Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie—and the entire Odinga family, praying for divine strength and comfort during the difficult time.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, their children—Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie—and the entire Odinga family. May God comfort them and surround them with His grace during this difficult time. We honour his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he leaves on our nation’s history. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Rachel wrote on X.
Also watch: Grief Engulfs Opoda as Mourners Flock to Raila Odinga’s Home.
Raila’s funeral programme
Raila will be laid to rest this Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the official programme for the late Prime Minister’s final journey, revealing that the family has requested his burial to take place within 72 hours of his passing, a wish Raila had personally expressed.
“The family informed President Ruto that according to Raila Odinga’s will, he insisted that he must be buried within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours,” Kindiki said, adding that his wishes must be respected.
According to the schedule, a Kenyan delegation is expected to arrive in Mumbai, India, at 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, before departing at 2:00 a.m. with the remains of the former Prime Minister.
The body will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 8:30 a.m., where it will be received with full state honours.
From JKIA, the body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home, before a solemn procession to State House at midday, and later to Parliament Buildings at 2:00 p.m., where Kenyans will be allowed to pay their final respects.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, a national prayer service will be held at Nyayo Stadium, after which the procession will head to Kisumu and Bondo. Saturday, October 26, 2025, will see a public viewing at Moi Stadium in Kisumu before the journey continues to his rural home in Bondo for Sunday’s burial.