With just hours left before Raila Odinga is laid to rest, the final construction works on his grave at Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, are almost complete.
The team of engineers and masons has been working round the clock to ensure the site is fully prepared ahead of Sunday’s burial ceremony.
The construction began on Thursday, October 16, marking a crucial stage in the farewell events that have drawn thousands of mourners from across the country.
On Saturday, the National Construction Authority (NCA) team, led by its CEO Maurice Aketch, visited the site for a final inspection to confirm that the work meets all safety and quality requirements.
Speaking after the inspection, Aketch said he was impressed with the progress made so far.
“The team has been working overnight to ensure everything is ready for tomorrow. We have lifted the walling and are now applying the final finishes on the floor and walls,” he said.
He explained that all excavation work had been completed and that the team was now focused on plastering, reinforcing the base, and installing the canopy that will cover the grave. Aketch noted that the project was being done cautiously to maintain structural strength while meeting the burial deadline.
“The short height of the walls and their proximity at the corners enhance stability, allowing us to accelerate finishing without compromising safety,” he said.
By Saturday afternoon, plastering had been done, and tiling was about to begin. Construction materials, carefully selected for their strength and durability, are being used to ensure the final resting place of the long-serving opposition leader remains firm and secure.
Raila’s grave is located beside that of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi. The family reached the decision after initially planning to have him buried next to his mother, Mary Odinga.
Earlier in the week, Siaya Senator and Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, presided over a traditional Luo ceremony known as tero ywak pacho, officially opening the homestead for mourners to pay their respects.
A night vigil is scheduled for Saturday evening at the Opoda home, where thousands of mourners are expected to gather before Sunday’s funeral service.
President William Ruto will lead national leaders at the burial, which will also be attended by several heads of state and dignitaries from within and outside Africa.
On Saturday morning, Raila’s body was flown from Nairobi to Kisumu aboard a Kenya Air Force helicopter. It was received at Mamboleo Stadium, where thousands of residents viewed the body before it was taken to his Bondo home for an overnight vigil.
The former Prime Minister died on Wednesday morning in India, where he had been undergoing treatment, marking the end of an era in Kenya’s political history.