Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised the organisers of Raila Odinga’s state funeral, claiming that the opposition was left out during the proceedings.
Speaking on Friday, Kalonzo argued that as a State Funeral, the event should have allowed opposition leaders to address the mourners. “It is unfortunate because it is a state funeral; they should have recognised the official opposition to say something. That is what Raila Odinga would have wanted,” he said.
He also dismissed the effort by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to acknowledge opposition leaders, noting it went largely unnoticed. “You can see the way Kindiki announced that some of us were around; nobody could hear. But it is okay,” Kalonzo added.
The funeral at Nyayo National Stadium drew thousands of mourners, many waving national flags, holding portraits of the late leader, and wearing T-shirts printed with his image. Security was tight, with police and military officers deployed to avoid any unrest like that seen during Thursday’s body-viewing ceremony.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka viewing former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body at Nyayo Stadium on October 17, 2025PHOTO/HANDOUTRegional leaders, including the presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia, attended the funeral. Raila’s body entered the stadium in a military procession, prompting chants, songs, and whistles from the crowd. Mourners also shouted the Swahili slogan, “Raila usilale, bado mapambano,” which means, “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over,” a call for his spirit to guide ongoing political struggles.
President William Ruto led the crowd in singing Raila’s favourite reggae track, Jamaican Farewell. The late leader’s widow, Ida Odinga, urged Kenyans to embrace peace and unity during their mourning. “Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed. The greed that has affected the fabric of our society,” she said.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta shared personal memories of Raila, recalling moments of laughter and reflection. “Sometimes after work, we would just sit together, talking and laughing,” Kenyatta said, highlighting their close friendship despite political rivalries.
Earlier in the morning, Raila’s body was taken to parliament, where MPs and selected dignitaries paid their respects.
Raila, a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape, passed away on Wednesday in India at the age of 80, where he had been receiving medical treatment. Among mourners, branches and palm fronds were carried, reflecting mourning customs of the Luo community, to which Raila belonged.