Cheers as Raila Odinga Junior pauses speech to introduce wife to mourners

Raila Odinga Junior brought a heartfelt and unexpected moment of levity and affection to the funeral service of his late father, Raila Amolo Odinga, when he paused his speech to introduce his wife to mourners.

While addressing the mourners from the podium at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Junior halted his speech to speak about his wife in affectionate and endearing terms, describing her as his sweetheart and someone who truly understands him.

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Also watch: Raila Odinga’s funeral service and burial in Bondo

“Before I continue, allow me to invite one person on the stage, my sweetheart, my beautiful, my lovely Orange. Someone who understands me. Let her wave to you. Thank you,” he said.

 The audience erupted into spontaneous cheers as he invited her onto the stage, a moment that briefly lifted the mood of the solemn occasion.

His wife, also dressed in white, gracefully made her way to the podium, greeted her husband warmly, and waved to the crowd, sharing a brief but touching moment with the mourners.

She then proceeded to the VIP dais, where President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President General Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR were seated, greeting each dignitary before returning to her seat.

The gesture brought a rare personal touch to a ceremony dominated by national mourning and state protocol, illustrating the close family bonds that existed alongside the late leader’s public life.

Also watch: Nation mourns as Raila’s final journey reaches Bondo

Elsewhere at the funeral, Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament, and political leaders from across the spectrum were present, paying their respects.

President Ruto, former President Kenyatta, and Obasanjo were warmly received by the congregation, prompting brief halts in proceedings to honour their arrival.

The Anglican Church led the service, reflecting Raila Odinga’s lifelong devotion, while the military and state officials conducted full state funeral honours in accordance with his status.

The congregation, including family, supporters, and national leaders, collectively paid their final respects to a figure who shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.

The burial marked the culmination of a period of national mourning following Raila Odinga’s death in India on October 15, 2025, after a sudden cardiac arrest.