Former premier's burial comes at a fraught time for Kenya

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was buried Sunday at his rural home as his country, which has been marred by postelection violence and other turmoil, faces political uncertainty.

- By EVELYNE MUSAMBI

KENYANS during the viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in India.

(SAMSON OTIENO Associated Press)

Leaders present at the burial, including President William Ruto, who signed a political pact with Odinga early this year, talked about the need for Odinga’s ODM party to remain united and either form or join the next government after the 2027 election.

Odinga, a pro-democracy champion, was accorded full military honors that included a 17-gun salute by the army and was buried next to his father, Jaramogi, who fought for Kenya’s independence and was the country’s first vice president.