BONDO, Kenya – In a unique display of reverence that blended football passion with national mourning, Kenyan supporters of Arsenal FC gathered on Sunday to pay their respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at his gravesite in Bondo, Siaya County.
The somber yet celebratory event saw fans, dressed in the club’s iconic red and white, gather at Kang’o ka Jaramogi to honor Odinga, who was a well-known and paid-up member of the London-based football club. The former Prime Minister passed away on October 15, 2025, from cardiac arrest while in India.
The gathering was marked by the singing of club anthems, the laying of wreaths, and the sharing of personal stories about Odinga’s lifelong dedication to the Gunners. The tribute underscored his profound influence as a unifying figure whose impact extended far beyond the political arena, bringing together Kenyans from all walks of life through a shared love for the sport.
The ODM Party, which Odinga led, confirmed the event on social media, stating: “Arsenal fans from across the country were this morning at Kang’o ka Jaramogi to pay homage to their fellow Gunner the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. The late Odinga was a paid up member of the Arsenal FC and was an ardent supporter and fan of the team.”
The poignant ceremony highlighted how Odinga’s personal passions resonated deeply with the public, creating a moment where the camaraderie of football fandom seamlessly merged with a nation’s grief.
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