Oburu Explains Why Raila Odinga’s Coffins Were Different in India and Kasarani

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has shed light on the reason behind the noticeable difference between the coffin that transported the late Raila Odinga’s body from India and the one displayed during the public viewing at Kasarani Stadium.

Speaking in an exclusive television interview on Sunday, Oburu clarified that the switch was guided purely by cultural and logistical considerations rather than secrecy or confusion, as speculated in some quarters.

According to Oburu, the casket used to repatriate Raila’s remains from India was a standard transport box, not suitable for viewing or burial ceremonies.

He explained that in India, cremation is the dominant tradition, and coffins are designed mainly for temporary handling rather than presentation. 

“In India, people are normally cremated. The boxes they use are functional, not decorative. We needed something more fitting for the public viewing and burial,” he said.

The senator revealed that the family had initially intended to make final preparations for the body either at Lee Funeral Home or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after arrival.

However, the overwhelming number of mourners at the airport made this impossible. 

“We wanted a short moment to dress the body and put everything in order, but the crowd outside was massive,” Oburu recalled.

Attempts to calm the thousands of supporters waiting at the airport proved futile. 

“Someone suggested that I speak to them, thinking they would listen, but the rejection was overwhelming,” he said.

With emotions running high and the crowd pressing for a glimpse of the casket, the family decided to complete the final preparations at Kasarani Stadium, where the national viewing was set to take place.

Oburu narrated that once the body arrived at the stadium, funeral directors from Lee Funeral Home facilitated the final dressing and transfer of Raila’s body into a more dignified casket. 

“We managed to do it at Kasarani. You saw a bit of confusion, even teargas, as the security tried to clear space for the body to be properly dressed and placed in the final coffin,” he recounted.

He stressed that the variation in the two coffins was purely procedural, meant to ensure Raila Odinga was accorded the respect and presentation befitting a national icon. 

“There was no mystery or mischief. It was just a matter of dignity and practicality,” Oburu affirmed.

The explanation brings clarity to an issue that had sparked widespread speculation following the emotional return and public farewell of the late opposition leader.