Tears flow in Bondo as Raila Odinga’s supporters gather to mourn former PM

Eric Juma 15th October, 2025 11:46 AM

Caption:Bondo residents mourns the death of ODM leader at his Opoda home in Siaya County.VIDEO/K24TV

ODM leader Raila Odinga’s Opoda village in Siaya County was thrown into mourning following his sudden death.

Grief-stricken friends and relatives gathered at the usually quiet homestead, which is manned by hawk-eyed Administration Police officers.

Hundreds of Siaya residents thronged his home at Opoda Farm in Bondo, wailing and shouting that his death was a blow to Kenyans and the Luo community.

“Jowi, jowi jowi, yore yore,” were some of the dirges that engulfed Raila Odinga’s home.

The wailing youths questioned who would stand by them in this country when the state goes against their rights.

“You have been our only son whom the state listens to. Who else will fit in your political boots and save us from the wrath of an administration keen on infringing on our rights? We don’t see any,” they shouted.

Mourners at his home at his Opoda Farm in Bondo. PHOTO/Eric Juma

“Who will tell the state its wrongs? There will be a looting spree now that Raila is no more, and the Gen Zs have to go back to the drawing board, or else they will not be spared, and none will advocate for their rights,” one mourner lamented.

The death of Raila is a blow to the Nyanza region, whose development had just started gaining momentum.

The Siaya Investment and Trade Conference, which was scheduled to kick off this morning, was halted as participants wailed and cried at the exhibition grounds.

A sad moment was witnessed at Siaya National Polytechnic, which hosts SITICO, where students and participants cried, fell to the ground, and those who fainted were rushed to Siaya Referral Hospital.

In Bondo Town, boda boda operators hooted as they traversed the streets, mourning Raila.

Gutted by Raila’s demise, residents eulogised him as a leader they credited for Kenya’s stability.

“Kenya has lost a patriot and humble servant in Raila. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Raila family,” one mourner said.