Kenya laid to rest its former Prime Minister and long-standing opposition leader, Raila Odinga, in a solemn ceremony held in Bondo, western Kenya, on Sunday. The burial marked the culmination of a series of memorial events that drew thousands of mourners, including prominent politicians, family members, and devoted supporters. Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in an Indian hospital on Wednesday, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, known for his unwavering commitment to democracy and justice. His son, Raila Odinga Jr., emotionally declared, ‘Now finally Baba is home,’ as the casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was prepared for its final journey. The memorial service, held at a university in Bondo, was a poignant tribute to a man who, despite losing five presidential campaigns, remained a beloved figure in the region. Kenyan President William Ruto eulogized Odinga on Facebook, praising his ‘courage, vision, and unyielding faith in our collective destiny.’ Odinga was buried at his late father’s homestead, where a family mausoleum stands. The days leading up to the burial were marked by both reverence and turmoil. A public viewing in Kisumu on Saturday saw tens of thousands of mourners file past his open coffin, many lamenting, ‘we are orphans.’ However, the event turned chaotic, with police opening fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens injured. Similar incidents occurred during other memorial events, underscoring the deep emotional impact of Odinga’s passing. His legacy as a ‘true champion of democracy,’ as described by former US President Barack Obama, continues to resonate across Kenya and beyond.