The funeral of veteran politician Raila Odinga drew vast crowds after several days of public viewing events<\/p>\n
Thousands of Kenyans gathered on Sunday to honor opposition leader Raila Odinga at his burial near his farm in the west of the country.\u00a0
\nDraped in the Kenyan flag, Odinga\u2019s casket was laid to rest in a peaceful service in Bondo after a week of national mourning marred by deadly incidents. At least five people were reportedly killed and hundreds injured as chaos erupted during state funerals in Nairobi on Thursday and in Kisumu on Saturday.\u00a0
\nVideos in Nairobi showed a large crowd forcing its way through the stadium gates where the late politician\u2019s body lay. Soldiers first used tear gas and fired warning shots into the air, then used live ammunition.
\nDuring Sunday\u2019s burial, the late politician\u2019s son, Raila\u202fJr., said: \u201cNow finally\u202fBaba is home.\u201d \u00a0
\nThe service included an Anglican funeral followed by a private burial, with military honors and dignitaries from across Africa in attendance, including Kenyan President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.<\/p>\n
Read more<\/p>\n
Deadly clashes erupt at politician\u2019s funeral service in Kenya (VIDEO)<\/p>\n
During a funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University on Sunday, Odinga\u2019s daughter Winnie thanked President Ruto for supporting the family.
\nIn turn, Ruto said in a post on X that \u201chis courage, his vision, and his unyielding faith in our collective destiny will forever illuminate the path of our nation.\u201d\u00a0
\nOdinga died on Wednesday in India at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment.\u00a0
\nThe veteran leader was a dominant figure in Kenya\u2019s opposition for more than 40 years, running unsuccessfully for president five times. His disputed 2007 loss triggered unrest that led to over 1,000 people being killed. Following the clashes, a power-sharing deal emerged under which the post of prime minister was created. He held that position from 2008 to 2013.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Judge dread: What is the fate of the law in a key African state?<\/p>\n
In 2022, Ruto narrowly defeated Odinga in a presidential election. Odinga continued to lead protests over governance and economic issues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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