Why Uhuru Kenyatta Made a Private Visit to Raila Odinga’s Grave

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday visited the grave of Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay his final respects to the late opposition leader.

Uhuru arrived at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum shortly after midday, where a small group of mourners and security officers were still present. Dressed simply in a green rugby shirt, khaki trousers and black sneakers, he walked quietly to the gravesite, accompanied by close associates and members of the Odinga family. 

He was received by Naftali Akello Ogwela, a longtime family friend, and joined in prayer by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother.  The group recited the Hail Mary before Uhuru raised his hand in a final gesture of farewell. After the visit to the gravesite, the former president proceeded to the nearby home of Mary Juma Odinga, Raila’s mother, where he held a private meeting with Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Dr Oburu Oginga.

According to family confidant Ismael Noo, the visit was intended to formally convey the Kenyatta family’s condolences to the Odinga family following the burial. Uhuru later travelled to Opoda Farm to meet Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, who had also visited the grave earlier in the morning. His return to Bondo followed his attendance at the funeral on Sunday, where he joined other dignitaries at the interment of the former Prime Minister.

It is believed he spent the night in Kisumu or at a nearby resort in Siaya before making his way back to the mausoleum. His involvement in the funeral extended beyond the burial itself. In the days leading up to the ceremony, Uhuru received Mr Odinga’s body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, attended the public viewing at Kasarani Stadium and visited the Odinga family home in Karen, Nairobi.

The relationship between Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta has been shaped by both personal ties and political history. As sons of Kenya’s founding leaders, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, they have long represented two of the country’s most influential political families. 

Their rivalry in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections was marked by fierce competition, followed by a period of tension after the disputed 2017 vote. Their reconciliation, symbolised by the 2018 “handshake,” signalled a turning point in national politics.