BONDO, SIAYA COUNTY – The sudden death of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has plunged Kenya and the international community into deep mourning. The veteran politician passed away on Wednesday, October 15, in India following a cardiac arrest, initiating a flood of emotional tributes from Kenyans, political figures, and international delegates alike.
The profound sense of loss was most palpable back at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, where preparations are underway for his final rites.
A Poignant Tableau of Absence
Inside the expansive and well-lit living room of the Bondo residence a room known for hosting high-level political consultations a single, poignant tableau symbolized the national tragedy: the empty chair.
A comfortable, less-puffed brown leather seat Raila’s customary spot lay vacant, draped with a white sheet. The seat was positioned notably apart from the nearby sofa and the chair belonging to his wife, Ida Odinga, serving as a stark, immediate visual reminder of his permanent absence. The tasteful décor, bright walls adorned with lovely family photos, tiled floors, and elegant coffee tables provided a serene backdrop against the heavy silence of grief.
Final Journey and Private Ceremony
Family spokesmen confirmed the funeral arrangements, emphasizing the personal nature of the loss. Raila’s brother, Oburu Oginga, stated that the family would maintain a private ceremony for their loved one. The ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, October 19, will see only a few select attendees paying their last respects to the iconic figure before his interment.
The passing of the ODM leader marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, and as the nation prepares for the burial, the empty chair in Bondo stands as a silent monument to the towering personality now gone.
