I Will Be Visiting You From Time to Time: Uhuru’s Emotional Farewell Message to Raila After Visiting His Grave

Bondo, Siaya County – October 21, 2025

In a poignant display of enduring friendship that transcended political rivalries and alliances, former President Uhuru Kenyatta returned to the gravesite of his longtime ally and compatriot, the late Raila Odinga, just a day after the veteran opposition leader was laid to rest.

The quiet visit, marked by prayers, tributes, and a heartfelt message inscribed in the visitors’ book, underscored the deep personal bond between the two sons of Kenya’s founding fathers.

Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and a towering figure in the country’s democratic struggle, passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while undergoing medical treatment in Kerala, India. Reports indicate he succumbed to a heart attack, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum and beyond.

His body was repatriated to Kenya, where it lay in state for public viewing at Kasarani Stadium before a state funeral attended by dignitaries, including President William Ruto and international figures. Odinga was interred on October 19 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, near the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum—named after his father, Kenya’s first Vice President.

Uhuru visits Raila’s grave at Kang’o ka Jaramogi

While most attendees dispersed after the burial, Kenyatta chose to linger, spending the night in the region before making a discreet return on October 20. Accompanied by a small entourage, the former president arrived at the Odinga family compound around midday, dressed casually in a green sweater, khaki trousers, and sneakers—a far cry from the formal attire of state occasions.

He was received by family friends and soon joined by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.

The visit began at Opoda Farm, where Kenyatta met with Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, offering personal condolences and sharing private moments with the grieving family.

The 4th President signed the visitors’ book at the family home, a gesture repeated later at the mausoleum.

It was here, sources close to the family say, that Kenyatta penned an emotional farewell message to his departed friend: “I will be visiting you from time to time.”

The note, reflecting a promise of ongoing remembrance, captured the essence of their reconciled relationship—forged through electoral battles in 2013 and 2017, and solidified by the historic 2018 “Handshake” that brought stability to a divided nation.

From the farm, the group proceeded to the gravesite at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

Standing beside the fresh mound adorned with wreaths and a wooden cross, Kenyatta and the Odinga family members offered brief prayers, including the Hail Mary, and made the sign of the cross.

Witnesses described the scene as deeply moving, with Kenyatta raising his hand in a final gesture of respect and farewell before departing.

The visit extended to the nearby Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, where Kenyatta honored the broader Odinga family’s contributions to Kenya’s history and democracy, including Jaramogi’s role in the independence struggle.

Kenyatta’s actions were not mere protocol but a testament to a friendship rooted in shared legacies.

As sons of Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga—Kenya’s first President and Vice President—the two men navigated decades of political tension, from opposition to partnership.

“This was about extending the Kenyatta family’s condolences in a more personal way, away from the public eye,” said Ismael Noo, a close Odinga confidant.

The visit symbolized reconciliation and unity, themes central to both leaders’ legacies.

Social media buzzed with reactions, with many praising Kenyatta’s loyalty.

One post captured the sentiment: “Uhuru didn’t come for cameras or politics—he came for Baba.” Others reflected on Odinga’s impact, noting how his death might reshape Kenyan politics, particularly in Luo Nyanza, where his influence remains profound even in absence.

As Kenya mourns one of its most enduring political icons, Kenyatta’s farewell message serves as a reminder that true bonds endure beyond the grave. “Rest well, my friend,” he added in his note, promising periodic visits to honor a legacy that continues to inspire.