Standing out! Najib Balala visits Raila’s gravesite, offers camel as ceremonial gift
By William Muthama, November 22, 2025Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala followed in the footsteps of other Kenyan leaders by visiting the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s grave to pay his respects and offer condolences to Mama Ida Odinga.
Balala arrived at the burial site on Friday, November 22, 2025, accompanied by a small delegation, observing the solemnity of the occasion and reflecting the deep respect Raila inspired across the country.
Also watch: Uhuru Kenyatta pays quiet tribute at Raila Odinga’s grave in Bondo
In a gesture of traditional solidarity, Balala presented a camel to the Odinga family, a symbol of comfort, support, and unity during this time of national mourning.
Balala, with his delegation, met Mama Ida Odinga at the gravesite, offering his heartfelt condolences and support to the family.
Balala praised Raila Odinga for dedicating his life to giving a voice to the vulnerable and marginalised, noting that the ODM party under his leadership transformed Kenya’s political landscape into a strong and inclusive movement.
“As we reflect on his remarkable life, let us carry forward his vision of a Kenya where every citizen is heard, respected, and empowered,” Balala said, urging Kenyans to be inspired by Raila’s example to serve with courage, compassion, and dedication to the common good.
The visit follows a series of tributes by political leaders, most recently Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who paid his respects at Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, presenting a striking gift of 150 head of cattle to Mama Ida Odinga.
Also watch: Gachagua to visit Odinga family in Bondo to mourn Raila, build community ties
Najib Balala and Raila Odinga share a long-standing political history rooted in Kenya’s multiparty democracy movement, particularly through their collaboration in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during the mid-2000s..
Their relationship evolved from close alliance to periods of tension but has been characterised by mutual respect, with Balala often crediting Raila as a mentor and visionary leader.
Early collaboration came during the 2005 constitutional referendum, where Balala and Raila were key figures in the “No” (Orange) campaign, successfully defeating the draft and transforming the movement into ODM.
To broaden ODM’s national appeal, Raila assembled the “Pentagon” alliance of regional leaders, including Balala, representing the Coast region.
Ahead of the 2007 general elections, Balala withdrew his ODM presidential candidacy to endorse Odinga, who won the party nomination, cementing their collaborative political journey.