First Christmas Without Raila: Oburu Odinga Seen Lost In Thoughts In Bondo

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Bondo town wore a sombre but reflective mood on Christmas Day as the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family and residents marked the first festive season without the late Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader, Honorable Raila Odinga.

Raila passed away on October 15, 2025, in India, where he had travelled to seek further medical attention, a death that shocked the nation and plunged millions of Kenyans into mourning.

Raila Odinga was laid to rest at the Kang’o ka Jaramogi Museum in Bondo, Siaya County, just a few metres from the grave of his late father, Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

His resting place has since become a site of reflection and pilgrimage for supporters who viewed him as a symbol of resilience, democracy, and social justice.

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On Christmas morning, ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga Odinga, Raila’s elder brother, was seen deep in thought as he led family members, leaders, and residents to a special Christmas church service at ACK Nyamira Church in Bondo.

Observers noted that Oburu appeared emotional, at times pausing quietly as hymns were sung, a moment many interpreted as a reflection of the heavy absence left by his brother.

Several political leaders and faithful who attended the service described the day as bittersweet.

While Christmas is traditionally a time of joy and togetherness, the void left by Raila Odinga’s absence was strongly felt, particularly in Bondo, a town that regarded him not just as a national leader but as one of its own.

In his brief remarks after the service, Oburu Odinga urged Kenyans to embrace unity, peace, and the values Raila stood for, noting that the best way to honour his legacy was to continue fighting for justice, equality, and democracy.

As families across the country celebrated Christmas, Bondo’s observance stood out as a poignant reminder of a nation learning to celebrate and heal without one of its most influential political figures.