• Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, was buried on Sunday at his rural home.
• His death has highlighted ongoing political uncertainty in Kenya, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
• Odinga was accorded full military honors during his funeral attended by thousands, including President William Ruto.
• Chaos marked memorial events with at least five mourners dead due to stampedes.
• Odinga's legacy as a democracy reformer is acknowledged across Africa, with tributes pouring in from global leaders.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo, following a series of memorial events that were marred by chaos and tragedy. Reports indicate that at least five mourners died and many more were injured in stampedes during public viewings of his body, as crowds surged to pay their respects in Nairobi and other locations across Kenya, according to Al Jazeera, BBC, and Los Angeles Times.

Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India, was honored with a full military service, including a 17-gun salute. His funeral was attended by dignitaries from across Africa, including President William Ruto, who emphasized the need for Odinga's ODM party to remain united as the country heads towards the next election in 2027, as highlighted in reports by Africa News and Africa News.

Despite never winning the presidency in five attempts, Odinga was credited with major contributions to Kenya’s democracy, including pivotal roles in political agreements during crises. He was often referred to as a "selfless pan-Africanist" and was revered not only in Kenya but across the continent for his political acumen, according to BBC, Los Angeles Times, and Africa News.

During the burial, President Ruto remarked on Odinga’s legacy, noting, “His courage, his vision, and his unyielding faith in our collective destiny will forever illuminate the path of our nation.” This sentiment of honoring Odinga’s contributions to national unity reverberated among attendees, reflecting widespread gratitude for his commitment to justice and democracy, according to Africa News and Los Angeles Times.