Raila Represents President Uhuru at Winnie Mandela's Funeral, Wore "Presidential Official" Badge

Opposition leader Raila Odinga wore a badge written "presidential official" during Winnie Mandela's funeral ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday, indicating that he represented President Kenyatta and the Kenyan government at the function.

Odinga flew to South Africa alongside his wife,Ida on Friday morning to attend the anti-apartheid crusader's send off. Winnie passed away last week at the age of 81, following a long illness.

"She gave South Africa her all, gained much in terms of bringing freedom to her people, and lost so much at a personal level in the process. Her place in history is cast in stone here in the land of many heroes and victims and among the human race in general," Raila said in his tribute message.

Odinga met South African Deputy President David Mabuza, International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, ex-President Thabo Mbeki among others ahead of Winnie's memorial service at the Orlando Stadium.

Odinga's office confirmed that the Opposition leader travelled to South Africa in a more official capacity, this coming weeks after his handshake with President Kenyatta, where they pledged to work together in uniting the country.

In South Africa, the Orange Democratic Movement leader enjoyed treatment as the country’s representative and was granted private talks with country's top leaders.

“The Odingas have had a close and long-time relationship with the Mandelas spanning decades. Even so, Mr Odinga is on this visit in a more official capacity, officially representing the Kenyan State and all the Peoples of the Republic of Kenya,” Mr Odinga’s aide Silas Jakakimba said in a statement.

“That answers why his visit has received all the requisite state courtesies and officialdom both from South African government and Kenyan High Commission.”

He was also received by the Kenyan High Commissioner to South Africa Jean Kamau, and her team upon landing in Johannesburg.

“It is expected that Mr Odinga will have a private courtesy call on President Cyril Ramaphosa before he jets out to Nairobi on Monday afternoon,” Mr Jakakimba said.