Excitement and emotion gripped mourners in Bondo, Siaya County, after former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i made a surprise appearance at the burial of the late ODM leader and Broad-Based Government partner, Raila Amolo Odinga.
The former powerful minister, who had kept a low profile since leaving government, received a thunderous welcome the moment he stepped out of his vehicle at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds.
In a viral video shared online, mourners could be heard chanting “Matiang’i! Matiang’i!” as they waved and cheered in excitement, calling him one of the “sons of Raila.”
The loud chants echoed across the field as the emotional crowd tried to catch a glimpse of the former CS.
The charged atmosphere momentarily shifted from grief to celebration as Matiang’i walked toward the main tent, where top national leaders, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, were seated.
Observers described his sudden appearance as deeply symbolic. Having remained silent for months, Matiang’i’s decision to attend Raila’s final send-off was seen as both a gesture of respect and a subtle political statement — one that rekindled memories of the 2018 handshake era and Raila’s long struggle for reform.
Online, reactions poured in almost immediately. Some praised Matiang’i for honoring Raila’s memory and standing with the Odinga family, while others speculated that his reemergence could signal a quiet political comeback.
For many Kenyans, however, one thing was clear — even in death, Raila Odinga’s influence continues to unite allies and rivals alike, reminding the nation of the man whose legacy transcended politics.
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