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Kenyans bid farewell to beloved opposition leader Raila Odinga with tears, prayers, and chants of "Baba is home" as he was laid to rest in his ancestral homeland on Sunday. The former Kenyan prime minister's burial marked the culmination of a week-long series of memorial events that drew thousands, with the late politician retaining a devoted following among his supporters.
Odinga's death last Wednesday at the age of 80 brought out a sea of mourners, who flocked to pay their respects in various locations, including a public viewing in Kisumu where dozens were injured as police struggled to disperse the crowds. At least five people lost their lives during similar events, and multiple others were wounded.
Former US President Barack Obama praised Odinga as "a true champion of democracy" who "will forever illuminate the path of our nation." Kenya's president William Ruto similarly remembered him, saying that his courage, vision, and faith had left a lasting impact on their nation. The mourners also celebrated the politician's enduring legacy through music, prayers, and public speeches.
A choir performed at Odinga's burial site, while speakers delivered heartfelt tributes to the deceased leader, who spent most of his life as a vocal critic of Kenya's ruling elite. As they laid him to rest in his ancestral homestead, the crowd chanted "Baba is home," underscoring their affection for the man whose life was dedicated to fighting for justice and democracy.
Despite the controversies that often surrounded Odinga during his long career, he remains a beloved figure in Kenyan politics, having won hearts with his unwavering dedication to the country's people.
Odinga's death last Wednesday at the age of 80 brought out a sea of mourners, who flocked to pay their respects in various locations, including a public viewing in Kisumu where dozens were injured as police struggled to disperse the crowds. At least five people lost their lives during similar events, and multiple others were wounded.
Former US President Barack Obama praised Odinga as "a true champion of democracy" who "will forever illuminate the path of our nation." Kenya's president William Ruto similarly remembered him, saying that his courage, vision, and faith had left a lasting impact on their nation. The mourners also celebrated the politician's enduring legacy through music, prayers, and public speeches.
A choir performed at Odinga's burial site, while speakers delivered heartfelt tributes to the deceased leader, who spent most of his life as a vocal critic of Kenya's ruling elite. As they laid him to rest in his ancestral homestead, the crowd chanted "Baba is home," underscoring their affection for the man whose life was dedicated to fighting for justice and democracy.
Despite the controversies that often surrounded Odinga during his long career, he remains a beloved figure in Kenyan politics, having won hearts with his unwavering dedication to the country's people.