Kenyans from all walks of life continue to stream in to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Opoda farm in Siaya County awaiting the airlift of his remains from Kisumu City.
The body of the late premier arrived in Kisumu at 8:30am in preparations for his public viewing at Mamboleo Grounds and is expected to be flown to Bondo by the Kenya Defence Forces at 3pm later today.
As early as 7am, leaders from across the political divide continued to arrive at Opoda farm to condole with the family and sign condolence book as security officers moving in to manage the situation.
At Kang’o ka Jaramogi, arrival of guests has been marked by full cultural display accompanied by traditional chants to honour the late political colossus who died aged 80 in India.
In the morning, a delegation of elders from Vihiga County presented bulls to the family, a cultural significance to honour the fallen statesman.
Other leaders who arrived donned in cultural regalia include Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP) Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa who arrived with Luhya elders, supporters and bulls to Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
“The Luyha Community and the Wamalwa family, has had a very deep and special relationship with the Odinga family and their Luo neighbors spanning more than six decades from the days of Jaramogi, Muliro, Shikuku and Senator William Wamalwa,” said Wamalwa.
“Though death has robbed us of Baba our leader, friend and neighbor, it cannot rob us of the memorable years of friendship, good neighborliness, comradeship in the struggle and the joint vision of a better Kenya,” he added.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also arrived at Odinga’s residence adorning traditional regalia to honour the late Odinga. In ful cultural display, Natembeya arrived with elders, 15 bulls and 15 bags of maize which were received by the family.
“This gesture is a humble token of my deep appreciation for Raila Odinga’s monumental contribution to our nation, his lifelong pursuit of justice, democracy and unity among all communities,” he said via his X handle.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, Orange Democratic Movement leadership and the Odinga family have similarly held a meeting at the Opado Farm residence in preparations for arrival of the former premier’s remains later of Saturday.
On Sunday, the internment ceremony is panned to be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
A night vigil will be held in Bondo to pay to honour the memory of the fallen leader.
Access to the farm is currently controlled with the organizers erecting screens to accommodate mourners who will not have access to site.
