Even a week after the burial of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, the late statesman’s Opoda Farm in Bondo Sub-county continues to draw mourners from across Kenya and beyond, all eager to pay their last respects to the man fondly remembered as “the People’s President.”
Delegations comprising church leaders, business communities, human rights defenders, elders, widows, and ordinary citizens have been thronging the Odinga homestead, signing condolence books and reflecting on the legacy of a man who championed democracy, equality, and social justice throughout his life.
On Wednesday, a high-powered team from Kisumu County, led by incoming Senator Stephen Nyandiare, made the 100-kilometre pilgrimage to Opoda to condole with Dr. Ida Odinga, widow of the late ODM leader. The group included businessmen, businesswomen, and members of the Bunge la Wananchi Kisumu Caucus, who lauded Raila as a national hero, mentor, human rights defender, and a voice for the marginalized.
Nyandiare, who has been based in the United States, credited Raila for shaping his political journey, calling him “a symbol of unity in Africa.” He urged residents of Nyanza, particularly the Luo community, to maintain peace and unity as the country continues to mourn.
“Raila Odinga stood for justice and equality. The best way to honor his legacy is to uphold peace and unity,” Nyandiare stated.
Isaiah Omondi, a member of the Bunge la Wananchi Kisumu Caucus and a close ally of Nyandiare, described Raila as a freedom fighter whose resilience brought meaningful reforms even from the opposition benches. He said their visit aimed to comfort Mama Ida and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals Raila stood for.
“We came to console Mama Ida and to remind the country that Raila’s dream of a just and united Kenya must live on,” Omondi said.
In recent days, Opoda Farm has hosted an impressive array of dignitaries, including former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, as well as several governors, MPs, and MCAs, all paying tribute to a man whose influence transcended generations and borders.
As tributes continue to pour in, it is evident that Raila Odinga’s legacy as a reformist, democrat, and champion of justice will remain etched in the nation’s history for decades to come.
