"According to Kenyan media, he is the first non-president ever to be honored with a state funeral. Odinga was given full military honors, including a 17-gun salute by the army. The 80-year-old was revered for his fight against the autocratic rule of the government of Daniel Arap Moi, which saw him jailed and ultimately forced into exile. Thousands from across the East African country traveled to Odinga's rural home in Bondo, western Kenya, to participate in Sunday's ceremony."
"One mourner speaking with to the AFP news agency said Odinga taught Kenyans the importance of fighting for their rights, saying, "That is why, according to our customs, we had to make sure that we step on the soil where he will be laid to rest, so that our hearts may be contented." In March, Ruto signed a political pact with Odinga after months of violent anti-government protests. Ruto credited Odinga with helping him "steady the country.""
Raila Odinga died in India while receiving medical treatment and was buried after days of national memorials. He received a state funeral with full military honors, including a 17-gun salute, becoming the first non-president so honored according to Kenyan media. Odinga was celebrated for opposing Daniel Arap Moi's autocratic rule, a struggle that included imprisonment and exile. Thousands traveled to his rural home in Bondo for the burial after mass events that left five people dead. The funeral featured speeches by family and leaders such as President William Ruto and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Ruto had signed a political pact with Odinga in March and pledged to honor it, though the party’s position remained unclear.
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