Just hours after his burial, his family was spotted visiting his gravesite late at night, showing the personal pain behind the public mourning.
Raila was laid to rest at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, following a State Funeral held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
Thousands of Kenyans, alongside leaders from across Africa, attended the funeral to pay their respects.
Despite the large turnout and public ceremonies, the most painful moments belonged to his family, who now face life without their loved one.
Viral photographs shared on TikTok by a user named Jakawuor captured Raila’s younger sister, Ruth Odinga, and other family members visiting the gravesite late on Monday night, October 20.
In the images, Ruth was seen crying quietly, reflecting the deep grief that comes from losing a close family member.
The photographs, taken just minutes before midnight, highlighted the loneliness of the gravesite after the crowds had gone.
Jakawuor’s post included an emotional caption, noting that it was unusual to see Raila alone, as he was always surrounded by people during his life. The caption read:
“Every time I visited Baba, I never found him alone. A few hours after his burial, near midnight, he is finally alone. It is heartbreaking. Rest well, Enigma! It will never be well!”
The night visit was a private moment for the Odinga family to say goodbye in their own way. While the public honored him with ceremonies and speeches, the family’s quiet vigil showed the personal loss and emotional toll of his passing.
Ruth Odinga, who has always supported her brother, could not hide her sorrow as she stood at his grave, reminding the nation that leaders are also human beings with families who feel immense pain.
Social media users expressed sympathy and sent messages of comfort to the family. Many described the photographs as a reminder of the private grief that follows public mourning.
For the Odingas, the journey of healing has only just begun, but the nation continues to support them during this difficult time.
May the late Raila Odinga rest in peace.