Raila Odinga’s body arrives at JOOUST for burial service
By Paulette Mboga, October 19, 2025Raila Odinga’s body has arrived at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, where mourners have gathered to pay their final respects before his burial.
Earlier on, military preparations were in top gear at the university ahead of the arrival of the former Prime Minister’s body. Top military officials and police officers were seen working swiftly to ensure everything was ready within the set timelines.
Also watch: Nation mourns as Raila’s final journey reaches Bondo
The officers coordinated movements around the venue, setting up security and guiding protocol arrangements.
The area where Raila’s body will be placed was carefully prepared, with the entire floor covered in a red carpet as part of the honour ceremony.
Heavy traffic of people was seen streaming into the stadium as thousands of mourners arrived to witness the final ceremony in honour of the late Raila Odinga.
Roads leading to the venue were packed with vehicles and pedestrians, all eager to pay their last respects to the fallen leader.
A sea of orange filled the stadium as thousands of mourners turned up to honour the late Raila Odinga. Most of those in attendance wore orange outfits, scarves, and caps, the signature colour of the ODM party that Raila led for decades.
The vibrant display of orange symbolised unity, loyalty, and respect for his political legacy. Many said wearing orange was their way of celebrating the man who dedicated his life to democracy and justice in Kenya. From young to old, the crowd stood together in solidarity, turning the ceremony into a moving tribute to their departed leader.
As the ceremony continued at JOOUST, it was clear that Raila Odinga’s farewell had drawn one of the largest gatherings in Kenya’s history. The grounds were completely packed, with people filling every available space to bid goodbye to the man they called Baba.
Different leaders from Kenya continue to arrive at JOOUST to attend the final ceremony for the late Raila Odinga. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was among those who addressed the press upon his arrival.
“This has been a very changing event because it was not on the government calendar of events. We had issues at JKIA, which some people are saying was easy, but it was not easy at all. But we tried our best,” he said.
The CS praised Raila’s supporters for their cooperation, acknowledging their role in ensuring the success of the memorial and burial arrangements.