Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of disturbing the Raila Odinga family’s mourning period after making a surprise visit to the opposition leader’s grave in Bondo just a day after his burial.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Alai described Uhuru’s visit as “selfish and inconsiderate,” claiming it forced the bereaved family to relive the emotional pain of the burial too soon.
“Dragging the family back to the gravesite a day after burial is such a selfish move,” Alai posted, sparking widespread debate among Kenyans online.
Uhuru was captured in a video visiting Raila’s grave at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where he stood quietly in prayer and bowed his head in reflection.
Witnesses described the former Head of State’s visit as a “personal and emotional moment” that took place in the presence of close family members.
However, Alai, who is also a member of the ODM party, argued that the timing of the visit was inappropriate, saying the Odinga family should have been allowed time to mourn privately without political disruptions.
The visit came just one day after the emotional state burial of the long-time opposition leader, which drew thousands of mourners, including President William Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta, and several African dignitaries.
Raila, who died on October 19, 2025, in India, was laid to rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at the family’s Bondo home.
The funeral saw an outpouring of emotion, with mourners breaking into liberation songs and chants of solidarity even after the casket was lowered.
Uhuru’s quiet return to the gravesite a day later has since divided Kenyans online — with some hailing his action as a touching display of friendship and loyalty, while others, echoing Alai’s words, criticized it as a disruption to the family’s healing process.
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