REPORT ON ATTENDANCE AT THE STATE FUNERAL OF RT. HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA, E.G.H.

Submitted by: Sophy A. Maresch(Sofire) | On Behalf of: Austrian-Kenya Society Board | Date: 27th October 2025 | Burial Date: 19th October 2025 | Location: Bondo, Siaya County, Kenya

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report documents my attendance at the state funeral and burial of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H., former Prime Minister of Kenya, where I represented the Austrian-Kenya Society Board. The final interment on October 19th, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County, constituted one of Kenya's most significant national events, reflecting the profound impact of a statesman whose political career shaped the nation's democratic trajectory for over four decades.

2. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga (1945-2025) passed away on October 15th, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India. President William Samoei Ruto declared a period of national mourning with flags flown at half-mast until interment. Born to Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila's life embodied the struggle for democracy, constitutional reform, and social justice across Africa.
His educational journey to Germany studying at the Herder Institute in Leipzig and obtaining a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Otto von Guericke University in Magdeburg, East Germany makes his legacy particularly relevant to the Austrian-Kenya Society's mission of fostering cultural and educational exchange.

3. THE BURIAL CEREMONY - 19TH OCTOBER 2025

3.1 Setting and Atmosphere

Bondo, situated in Nyanza region along Lake Victoria, became the focal point of national attention. The Odinga family homestead, already the resting place of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, welcomed thousands of mourners from across Kenya and internationally. The atmosphere was simultaneously solemn and celebratory reflecting Luo cultural approaches to honoring the departed while celebrating a life well-lived.

3.2 Ceremonial Proceedings

The interment ceremony followed elaborate state and cultural protocols including:

• Military Honors: A 19-gun salute symbolizing the highest state honors
• Religious Rites: Committal prayers by multi-denominational leaders, with hymns including "Abide With Me" and "It Is Well With My Soul"
• Family Tributes: Dr. Ida Odinga and children offered deeply personal reflections. Winnie captured the essence: "The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025, but the Spirit of the Lion roars on forever"
• Cultural Observances: Traditional Luo customs seamlessly integrated with state protocol

3.3 Dignitaries and International Representation

President Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet members, Parliament, Judiciary, and Heads of State from across Africa attended. The unprecedented gathering in rural Siaya County testified to Raila's Pan- African stature. As Austrian-Kenya Society representative, I engaged with the diplomatic corps, conveying condolences and discussing future collaborative initiatives honoring his democratic legacy.

3.4 Community Participation

Thousands of citizens lined roads to witness "Baba's" final journey. Local communities provided hospitality, organizing food stations and accommodations, demonstrating Kenyan communal solidarity. The sea of orange his party's color transformed the landscape into a visual representation of enduring political legacy.

4. KEY THEMES AND OBSERVATIONS

Democratic Struggle: Nine years of political detention, commitment to multiparty democracy, and pivotal role in Kenya's 2010 Constitution. President Ruto noted: "Raila Odinga was the very embodiment of patriotism and selfless servant-leadership."
Pan-African Vision: African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018) and Special Peace Envoy for Côte d'Ivoire (2011). He worked on peace missions across Mozambique, Burundi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe throughout the 1990s.
Reconciliation Over Retribution: Former President Kenyatta's tribute: "That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in 'Handshake' unity taught me the true measure of the man." Chief Justice Koome emphasized his strengthening of constitutional order through three presidential election petitions.
Family Legacy: Dr. Ida Odinga: "For over five decades, you were my partner, my confidant, my greatest supporter." Personal tributes revealed a devoted father who balanced national service with family devotion.
Generational Impact: Governor Gladys Wanga testified: "I quickly enrolled in the Raila Odinga Academy of Leadership and with your consistent support I have grown from a novice to a grounded leader."

5. CULTURAL AND SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE

The burial blended traditional Luo customs with state protocol, creating uniquely Kenyan ceremonies honoring cultural heritage and national unity. The choice of Bondo over Nairobi demonstrated commitment to cultural roots while bringing government and international dignitaries into direct contact with grassroots communities embodying Raila's philosophy of bringing development to rural areas.

6. IMPLICATIONS FOR KENYA'S DEMOCRATIC FUTURE

Raila's passing marks generational transition in Kenyan politics. His legacy of constitutional reform, devolution, and democratic governance provides foundations for future generations. The unprecedented unity during burial proceedings political rivals standing together in tribute suggests potential for continued national cohesion. His mentorship created networks of leaders across Kenya carrying forward his values of service, resilience, and commitment to justice.

7. CONCLUSIONS

Attending this historic burial was both profound honor and responsibility. Key observations:

1. National Unity: Demonstrated Kenya's capacity for unity transcending political, ethnic, and regional divisions
2. Democratic Legacy: 2010 Constitution, devolution, and strengthened democratic institutions stand as monuments to his work
3. International Stature: Presence of Heads of State in rural Siaya confirmed his Pan- African icon status
4. Cultural Integration: Seamless blending of traditional customs with modern state ceremonial
5. Generational Impact: From detainee to Prime Minister his journey embodies possibilities of democratic struggle in Africa

8. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Official Condolence Letter to the Odinga family acknowledging his contributions and East German educational connection
2. Annual Memorial Lecture in Vienna on "Democracy and Pan-Africanism" bringing Austrian-Kenyan scholars together
3. Raila Odinga Scholarship for marginalized Kenyan students pursuing studies in German-speaking countries
4. Documentary Project producing bilingual educational materials on his democratic contributions for Austrian institutions
5. Commemorative Cultural Evening in Vienna featuring Kenyan music, art, and dialogue on democratic development
6. Research Collaboration with Kenyan universities on democratic governance and Pan-African development
7. Infrastructure Development Initiatives reflecting his AU role, exploring Austrian- Kenyan collaboration on rural