Explained: Why Raila was given a 17-gun salute
The late Raila Amolo Odinga was laid to rest in an emotional state funeral at his rural home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, where he was accorded a 17-gun salute, one of the highest military honours in Kenya.
The rare tribute reflected the nation’s respect for a man whose leadership and lifelong struggle for democracy shaped Kenya’s political journey.
You might also like
Also Watch: Natembeya honours Raila with cows and tribute at Bondo
The 17-gun salute is not just ceremonial. It is a symbolic act performed by the Kenya Defence Forces to recognise exceptional service to the country.
The honour was fitting for the late Raila, who served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and was instrumental in ushering in the 2010 Constitution.
During the ceremony, President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mama Ida Odinga and other dignitaries looked on as the KDF performed the precise and disciplined salute.
The rhythmic blasts echoed across Bondo as thousands of mourners stood in silence, marking the final farewell to one of Kenya’s greatest sons.
Also Watch: Leaders break down in tears as they mourn Raila Odinga
What the 17-gun salute means
A gun salute is one of the oldest military traditions in the world.
It began as a naval practice where ships arriving in friendly waters would fire their cannons harmlessly out to sea, showing they came in peace.
Over time, this gesture evolved into a formal show of honour and trust.
In Kenya, gun salutes are performed during state events, including funerals of national leaders, visits by heads of state or other significant occasions.
The number of rounds fired depends on the rank or office held by the individual being honoured.
A 21-gun salute, the highest honour, is reserved for a sitting Head of State.
A 19-gun salute is accorded to a former President, while a 17-gun salute is given to individuals who have served as Prime Minister, Vice President or other high-ranking government officials.
The late Raila Odinga, having served as Prime Minister, qualified for this distinction.
A farewell worthy of a statesman
The military honours were part of a state burial that included a flag-draped casket, full ceremonial escort and national tributes from leaders across Africa. Raila’s burial combined dignity and patriotism, celebrating not only his political career but also his enduring impact on the nation’s democracy.
For many Kenyans, the 17-gun salute symbolised the culmination of a life dedicated to public service, justice and unity.
Raila’s legacy joins that of Kenya’s most revered leaders who received state funerals, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.
The booming sounds over Bondo were more than military protocol. They were the final salute to a man who fought, endured and triumphed for the idea of a better Kenya.
