Court Rules Odinga’s Burial to Proceed as Scheduled Despite Petition

The High Court has ruled that the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will proceed as planned on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This follows a petition filed by a man seeking to stop the ceremony, claiming it violated Luo customs and traditions.

In his decision, Justice Chacha Mwita dismissed the application, stating that the petitioner failed to provide sufficient grounds to warrant the court’s intervention. “The applicant has not demonstrated that the process is being undertaken contrary to the wishes of the deceased to enable this court to act on the request for the conservatory orders,” the judge ruled.

He further noted that the urgency of the matter was not properly justified, saying, “This court is not persuaded that the application raises sufficient grounds to delay the burial process.”

According to court documents, the petitioner argued that Odinga’s swift burial goes against Luo cultural practices, which emphasize elaborate funeral preparations for respected elders. He cited Odinga’s crowning by the Luo Council of Elders in 2020 as evidence of his deep commitment to traditional customs. The petitioner insisted that the late leader “should be buried with the honour and respect that befits a Luo warrior.”

However, the court found no evidence that the burial plans contradicted Odinga’s own wishes. Family representatives confirmed that the statesman had requested to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing. With the court’s ruling, the burial arrangements will continue as scheduled, bringing an end to the legal challenge.