Thousands Gather in Nairobi to Honor Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
Raila Odinga's body returned to Kenya, leading to a massive public turnout for his state funeral, declared a public holiday in his honor.
Overview
- Thousands of Kenyans gathered at Nairobi's main airport to receive the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away recently.
- Odinga's body arrived on a chartered airplane, receiving a water salute before a public viewing in parliament, attracting thousands.
- A state funeral service was held in Nairobi, declared a public holiday by President William Ruto to honor Odinga's legacy.
- Raila Odinga served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 and was known for his fight for democracy in Kenya.
- His funeral will include full military honors and final rites at his rural home in Bondo, with large crowds expected to attend.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources appear neutral in their coverage of Raila Odinga's death. They focus on reporting factual events surrounding his passing, the public's reaction, and his political history without injecting evaluative language or biased emphasis. The reporting maintains an objective tone, presenting information directly and attributing opinions to specific individuals or general sentiment.
"Operations have been suspended at Kenya's main airport after thousands of mourners turned out to receive the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a day after he died in India."
BBC News"Thousands of Kenyans turned out Thursday to receive the body of renowned African politician and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the country’s main airport, a day after he died in India."
ABC News"Thousands of Kenyans turned out Thursday to receive the body of renowned African politician and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the country’s main airport, a day after he died in India."
Associated Press"His legacy as a democracy activist helped seal two of the country’s most important reforms."
Semafor"Despite never attaining the presidency, he was credited with helping dismantle Kenya's one-party rule under Daniel arap Moi in 1992 and championing the progressive 2010 constitution, which ushered in far-reaching political reforms."
NPR"Raila Odinga, a former prime minister of Kenya and perennial presidential candidate whose populist campaigns challenged one-party rule, rattled authorities and gave him outsized influence on political life in the East African country, died Wednesday of a heart attack while traveling in India."
ABC News"Raila Odinga, a former prime minister of Kenya, died on Wednesday in India, where he was traveling when he suffered a heart attack."
ABC News"Raila Odinga, a former prime minister of Kenya, died on Wednesday in India, where he was traveling when he suffered a heart attack."
Associated Press"His supporters have been pouring onto the streets to mourn, especially in his political strongholds of western Kenya and parts of Nairobi."
BBC News"A hospital in India says former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died of a heart attack."
ABC News"Although he never succeeded, for many he was a revered figure and statesman whose activism helped steer Kenya away from single-party rule and into vibrant multiparty democracy."
Associated PressArticles (15)
Center (11)
FAQ
Raila Odinga was instrumental in dismantling Kenya’s one-party rule in 1992 and championed the 2010 constitution that introduced major political reforms. He also led the opposition Orange Democratic Movement and played a key role in the 2018 political handshake that aimed to reduce tensions in Kenya.
The 2018 handshake was a political truce that cooled tensions following the 2017 elections. It resulted in Raila Odinga becoming a de facto Deputy President and led to the Building Bridges Initiative, a major national cohesion and political reform effort.
The state funeral was declared a public holiday by President William Ruto, featured a massive public turnout, military honors, and final rites in his rural home, illustrating his national importance and legacy as a leading figure in Kenya’s democracy.
Raila Odinga ran for president five times without success, including disputed elections such as in 2007 which led to ethnic violence. He was detained without trial, forced into exile, and at one point had himself sworn in as 'people’s president' after boycotting an election rerun.
Raila Odinga was both a rival and partner to figures like former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto. His political alliances shifted over time, including a notable reconciliation with Kenyatta in 2018 and a recent political deal with Ruto before his death.
History
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