As the echo of 17 gunshots echoed through Nyamira Villodol on Sunday evening, followed by the roar of a military fly – a military past, a great silence descended across Kenya.
Among the emotions he placed the coffin of a man who never wore the last crown of politics, yet ruled in the hearts of millions. “People’s” president: Raila Amolo Odinga.
Odinga’s death last week at the age of 80 shook the nation to its core. Analysts and columnists have blocked a place close to its limits – not only with political conscience, but with the conscience of the country, in comparison with the Black President of South Africa, who became the first black President of South Africa after a white minority rule.
“Raila belongs to that rare category of political personality who transcends the usual calculations of power and prominence. Like Mandela, Thebii Kiprono, he tells the hopes of the people.
From social media sessions to nightclubs, echoes of his favorite Reggae song, Jamaican Farewell, continue to fill the air – a wonderful reminder of the man and the movement he breathes.
Sunday’s burial was a more special event – part state ceremony, part spiritual farewell, and part political reckoning.
The former PM died in India last week while undergoing treatment [AFP via Getty Images]
With hoods burning with tears under the hot sun, the crowds chanted “Joy! Joy! Joy! Joy!” – A moving refinement to the rich traditions and customs of the Luo people in honoring their dead.
Odinga’s group is known for its regular funeral reports that include the performance of the song. Jowi e Luo means that the buffalo and mourning symbols that the deceased was a brave person with an outstanding heritage.
That very status that is often challenged, and sometimes openly defied, gathered to honor him with full military rites. It was the same situation that imprisoned him for many years without charge.
Odinga was buried by his enemies, wrote political commentator and Odinga ally wafula buke, in a heartfelt eulogy for the fallen leader.
“Those who threw gas and bullets on Raila now, we are clean… We are removed from his last story on earth. No pictures,” no space in the program, “Mr. Buke added.
“But Raila and Mandela are like that, and they will always be ours now and forever.”
According to Dr Kipnono, Odinga was ‘one of Africa’s last true revolutionaries’.
Odinga was the leader of Kenya’s opposition party, ODM [EPA]
For years, the FireBrad politician came across as a strong campaigner and defender of democracy with many shyness and a fun figure who kept the country’s politics and national discourse alive.
Analysts say his absence leaves a vacuum not only within the opposition, but also within the government of President William Ruto – which, like it, relies on his influence to help steady the ship.
“Without the train, Kenya will be a very different country. It is entirely possible that the vacuum it leaves behind will create many movements capable of successfully seeking change,” said Lone Lone, Odinga’s longtime spokesperson.
As his body ended up in the ground, it became clear that Kenya was witnessing the closing of a whole chapter in the story of the country’s struggle for democracy.
“In his passing, our nation, our continent, and our world has lost a Titan of conscience, and the wisdom to defend the indefensible,” said Ruto, while handing over Odinga.
Idah his widow said when she married Odinga 52 years ago, she never knew she was marrying a Political Engineer.
Others, like Veteran politicians and political prisoner Koigi wa Wamwere, believe that Kenya could not afford Odinga at a critical moment.
“This was not the time for Raila to die. We have never discussed with him that the tactics we are using in the fight against oppression and the problems that continue to plague the country are the best to apply,” said Mr. Rere in an interview with local TV.
In the absence of a strong national figure like Odinga and an unfocused opposition, some fear a strong reaction to the throne.
“The Order Raitia helped form is being tested. The next two years may have been filled with tumult: races forming, political upheaval,” lawyer Chris Omemere told a local newspaper.
Odinga’s Orange Democratic party is already in disarray, with internal factions divided over whether to support Ruto’s Re-General Bid in the 2027 general election.
A year ago, Ruto reached out to Odinga for a political deal that saw opposition figures appointed to the cabinet – in what is now known as “a broad government”.
The move was seen by many as an attempt by Ruto to strengthen his grip on the rising power in his administration with its apparent failure, while raising taxes significantly.
Ruto has pledged to ensure that ODM will “form government or be part of government” by 2027.
Days before his death, Odinga sent it to the possibility of making a presidential candidate.
Odm’s decision to go it alone could pose a major challenge to Ruto, whose re-election hopes are uncertain amid public apathy fueled by life problems.
Last year, Ruto was forced to backtrack on plans to raise taxes after street protests erupted.
His popularity has taken something of a hit following the past of his former Deputy, Rivathi Gachagua, a key political figure in Vote-Rich Kenya’s Mountain Province.
Some commentators believe that Odinga’s death presents Kenya with an opportunity to move away from populist politics and the end of democracy, and democracy.
“Some small people will come out and continue Odinga’s political struggle,” said Barrack Munguka, a political commentator.
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