Mourners storm Raila Odinga’s grave immediately after burial

William Muthama 19th October, 2025 08:02 PM

Mourners gather at Raila Odinga’s grave site at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, some attempting to get closer to pay their respects.PHOTO//a screengrab by k24Digital https://youtu.be/OSGatb1trY8?si=hgO3WmGc9_McqKyN

Hours after the family and dignitaries had left, hundreds of mourners on Sunday, October 19, 2025, surged toward the gravesite of Raila Amolo Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.

Previously, many had been watching from a distance, but as the private burial concluded, they pressed forward, determined to pay their personal respects.

The former prime minister had been laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, close family members, military officers, and church leaders.

Some mourners climb to the top of the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi mausoleum, attempting to catch a glimpse of Raila Odinga’s final resting place amid the large crowd.PHOTO /a screengrab by k24Digital @www.instagram.com/p/DP_0KFmiICu/?igsh=MWcxd2E5YWd1cW81MA%3D%3D&img_index=1

Crowd approaches gravesite

The burial at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi was meant to be a private affair, reserved for family members, close friends, and invited dignitaries.

The Odinga family had repeatedly stressed that the ceremony should be intimate, allowing them to grieve without interference.

Security personnel try to manage the crowd at Raila Odinga’s grave site at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi as mourners surge forward.PHOTO//a screengrab by k24Digital https://youtu.be/HvNl4fpa2Dw?si=SvbuOQvrF8QVm3hX

Despite these instructions, large numbers of mourners surged into the gravesite after the official guests had departed, forcing security to scramble to maintain order.

Some were even seen attempting to take flowers left at the grave, highlighting the tension between public devotion and the family’s desire for privacy.

During the ceremony, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) fired a 17-gun salute in honour of Raila’s years as prime minister and decades of service to the nation.

He was buried beside his parents, with his iconic hat and fly whisk placed in the grave, symbols of his authority, courage, and enduring connection to his heritage.

Symbols of Honour

Earlier, the KDF had folded the national flag that draped Raila’s coffin and handed it to Mama Ida Odinga in a solemn ceremony.

She received it with bowed head and tearful dignity, a gesture marking the nation’s respect for Raila’s lifetime of public service.

Even after the official funeral concluded, the surge of mourners to the gravesite highlighted Raila Odinga’s lasting influence and the deep affection Kenyans had for him.

For many, reaching the grave in person was a final chance to honour a leader whose life and legacy shaped the country’s political landscape.

Author

William Muthama

William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]

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