Matiang’i Leads Gusii Leaders to Console the Odinga Family in Bondo
The passing of the late Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, in India, where he was receiving treatment, was received with a huge outpour of condolences .
The late Odinga received a state funeral and full military honors from President William Ruto, with the nation issuing seven days of national mourning in his respect. Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Monday led a top delegation of Kisii and Nyamira counties’ leaders to the home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, to offer their condolences to the family. The leaders went to Mama Ida Odinga and her family to extend their condolences following the passing of the veteran opposition stalwart.
In an address before his visit, Dr. Matiang’i said, “I am proceeding to the Odinga family home in Bondo to express my sincerest condolences to Mama Ida and the rest of the family on the death of her beloved husband, one of Kenya’s most highly regarded statesmen, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.” He was joined by several prominent political figures from the larger Gusii region, past and present.
They include former Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, former senators Prof. Sam Ongeri and Chris Obure, and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, among others. Their presence depicted unity and solidarity in the Gusii political leadership since they were part of the nation mourning a leader whose authority traversed generations.
MP Clive Gisairo spoke on Raila’s lifelong dedication to democracy and social justice and stated, “Throughout his lifetime, the Right Honourable Raila Odinga championed democracy, integrity, and empowering the people. We remain committed to living his ideals by continuing to call for responsible leadership and working governance systems in our country.”.
The visit has been seen as a strong demonstration of political cohesion between Gusii leaders, which could be an omen for eventual coalition formation towards the 2027 general election, where Fred Matiang’i is also highly speculated to be interested in running for the presidency.
The Gusii delegation are among several leaders from within and beyond the country who have continued to visit the Odinga family residence at Opoda Farm in Bondo to pay their respects. On October 20, President Uhuru Kenyatta also visited to pay his respects to the family, visiting Opoda Farm and Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where he eulogized Raila’s legacy as a patriot and reformist leader that will surpass him.
Other groups that have visited to pay their respects include members of the Council of Governors, Odinga clan family friends and allies, ODM party officials from the Nyanza province of the ODM party, and even fans from the Arsenal Kenya Supporters Club, attesting to the affection Kenyans had for Raila across political and class lines.
The passing of the late Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, in India, where he was receiving treatment, was received with a huge outpour of condolences and sorrow countrywide in Kenya. He was transported back to Kenya on October 17 and buried within 72 hours, as per his requests. The late Odinga received a state funeral and full military honors from President William Ruto, with the nation issuing seven days of national mourning in his respect.
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