Two months after the passing of the late Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader and former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the King of England has formally honored him in a rare and symbolic gesture that has sparked wide reactions across Kenya and beyond.
Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in India. According to family members and aides who were with him at the time, the veteran statesman collapsed during a routine morning walk with his longtime bodyguard, Ogeta.
He was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where doctors made frantic efforts to revive him, but sadly, he succumbed.
His death sent shockwaves across the country, with millions of Kenyans mourning a man many regarded as a pillar of Kenya’s democratic journey.
In accordance with his will, Raila Odinga was laid to rest on October 19, 2025, at his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s home in Opoda Farm, Bondo, Siaya County.
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He had expressed a wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing, a request that was honored by his family.
The burial ceremony drew thousands of mourners, including political leaders, diplomats, and citizens from all walks of life.
On Tuesday, State House Nairobi confirmed that President William Ruto received an official message of condolences from King Charles III of the United Kingdom, marking the British monarch’s first formal acknowledgment of Raila Odinga’s death. The message was delivered by the United Kingdom Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Ed Barnett.
In his message, King Charles praised Raila Odinga as a distinguished statesman who played a significant role in Kenya’s political development and in strengthening democratic institutions.
The gesture has been viewed by many as a recognition of Raila’s long-standing international stature and his historical ties with the United Kingdom.
Kenyans online described the honor as a fitting tribute to a leader whose influence extended far beyond national borders.
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