Oburu Odinga clears air on Raila’s final resting place

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, has moved to set the record straight regarding reports about the former ODM leader’s final resting place.

Addressing the country during the national briefing in Nairobi, Karen, on Friday, October 17, 2025, Oburu dismissed widespread claims suggesting that Raila would be buried beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, contrary to what was stated in the media.

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Oburu said the reports circulating in the press had twisted the contents of Raila’s will.

“The press has been saying that in Raila’s will, he stated he wanted to be buried next to his mother, and that now we have verified and chosen to bury him next to his father. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he clarified.

According to Oburu, Raila’s will clearly expresses his wish to be buried at Kang’o Kajaramogi in Nyamira, the same site where both his parents, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Juma Odinga, were laid to rest.

“I have seen the will, and it clearly states that he would like to be buried in the place where his mother and father are buried. Whether the grave is next to the mother or the father is a detail Raila did not mention,” Oburu emphasised.

He further questioned why the media was fixated on the exact positioning of the grave. “I don’t know why it’s important to some whether it’s beside the mother or the father. Both of them are his parents, and that was our decision,” he said.

Body to be moved to Bondo

After the public viewing in Kisumu, Raila’s body will be transported by road to his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, for interment under full state honours.

His final resting place will be at Kang’o Kajaramogi, the family’s historic compound that has hosted several national events over the decades.

Also watch: Leaders break down in tears as they mourn Raila Odinga

Oburu confirmed that the journey to Bondo will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with the burial scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025.

He urged Kenyans to maintain peace and unity during the ceremonies, describing the burial as a celebration of a life that shaped Kenya’s democracy.

“Tomorrow we’ll be moving home, and Sunday will be a day to give the final send-off,” Oburu told mourners. He thanked Kenyans for their solidarity, saying Raila’s memory will live on through the ideals he championed: justice, equality, and freedom.

Raila’s burial is expected to draw thousands of mourners and leaders as the nation bids farewell to one of its greatest sons.