A Nairobi court has declined to halt the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after a man filed a petition opposing the speed at which funeral plans were being executed.
Justice E. C. Mwita ruled on Thursday, October 16, that the petitioner failed to provide sufficient grounds showing that the burial arrangements violated Raila’s wishes or any established legal or cultural principles.
“This matter coming up for directions on the Notice of Motion and Petition dated October 16, 2025, before Honourable Justice E. C. Mwita, and upon considering the pleadings, I am not satisfied on the urgency of this matter,” read the ruling in part.
The petitioner had argued that a rushed burial was against Luo traditions and the cultural stature of Raila Odinga, who was not only a political icon but also a respected elder among the Luo people.
According to court documents, the man stated that Raila was crowned a Luo elder in 2020 in Bondo, Siaya County, and that such status required elaborate cultural rites before burial.
He likened Raila’s standing to that of Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Tom Mboya — all of whom received grand state send-offs befitting their legacies.
He further argued that the alleged 72-hour burial plan had not been confirmed by any close family member or witness and that proceeding hastily would disrupt traditional mourning rituals observed in Luo culture.
The court, however, dismissed the request, maintaining that no evidence was presented to prove that the ongoing process contradicted Raila Odinga’s wishes.
The ruling paves the way for the state funeral scheduled for Friday, October 17, at Nyayo Stadium, where thousands of mourners and international dignitaries are expected to attend.
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