Winnie delicately places the famous Odinga hat on the casket as his body waited to be taken to Nairobi from India.
By Francis Mull
WINNIE Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, has penned a moving tribute to her father following his passing, describing him as a “giant” whose light will continue to guide her.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, Winnie expressed the deep pain of losing her father, revealing that she was by his side during his final moments.
“Today, my world stands still. A giant has rested. I held his hand in his final moments, and in his silence, I felt the weight of his legacy and love. A father, a mentor, a compass. My heart is broken, but his light will forever guide me,” she wrote.
The statement captures the profound bond between the two, as Winnie has often been seen accompanying Raila to political events and foreign trips, earning admiration for her loyalty and strength.
Raila’s death
Raila died while receiving treatment at a medical facility in Kerala, India.
Speaking from State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, 15 October 15, 2025, President William Ruto described Raila as one of Kenya’s most influential leaders whose contribution to the country’s democracy will be remembered for generations.
The President also announced that Raila will be accorded a state funeral and that the nation will observe seven days of mourning.
“Fellow citizens, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing on of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister, Kenya’s foremost statesman, and one of Africa’s greatest sons,” Ruto said.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the official programme for the late prime minister’s final journey, revealing that the family had requested his burial to take place within 72 hours of his passing, a wish Raila had personally expressed.
“The family informed President Ruto that according to Raila Odinga’s will, he insisted that he must be buried within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours,” Kindiki said.
A Kenyan delegation arrived in Mumbai, India, at 1:00 am on Thursday, before departing at 2:00 am with the remains of the former Prime Minister. The body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 8:30am, where it was received with full state honours.
From Jomo KenyattaInternational Airport, officials took the body to Lee Funeral Home, then led a solemn procession to State House at midday. By 2:00pm, the procession moved to Parliament Buildings, where Kenyans were to pay their final respects. The venue was changed to the Kasarani Stadium for better handling of the crowd.
Friday, 17 October 2025, the nation held a prayer service at Nyayo Stadium, after which the procession will proceed to Kisumu and Bondo. The body is still at Nyayo for public viewing.
Saturday, 26 October 2025, mourners will view the body publicly at Moi Stadium in Kisumu before the journey continues to his rural home in Bondo for Sunday’s burial.
