Today, Kenya pauses to celebrate a politician who was, for everyone, including his opponents, proud members of other ethnic groups and sceptics, much more than a president.

For at least fifty years, Raila Odinga represented the possible, the unfulfilled, the youthful ideal that became an adult dream and, ultimately, simply an alternative to power, but still power nonetheless.

Odinga always had the right words for “his” people, who were not only the Luo of the west, scattered from Turkana to the Tana River, but also the poor of the coast, the desperate of the slums, and the emerging class who are now the country's first gentrified boomers.

The government of President William Ruto has arranged a state funeral for his former ally, second master after Arap Moi and then “forgiven” opponent in the elections, rehabilitated and brought on board, as well as seven days of national mourning.

There are those who took advantage of this, unleashing raids disguised as demonstrations of affection, venting their frustration at no longer having a true leader and having lost hope that things could change. Then there are the many criminals created by this unjust society, which has been given very little education on how to become a balanced nation, as well as the modern one it has set out to be. There have been clashes with the police, blocked roads and acts of vandalism in the capital.

Today, a declared national holiday, the funeral parlour of leader Raila Odinga was opened five hours later than the official schedule due to crowds blocking the passage of the funeral procession. Thousands of people poured into the streets, driven by the urgency to say a final farewell to a figure who has marked decades of Kenyan political history.

In a statement to the press, Vice-President Kithure Kindiki appealed for calm, dignity and order, stressing the need to remain composed as the country enters its second day of national mourning.

‘The Republic is preparing to bid farewell to one of its sons with full honours,’ Kindiki announced, stating that the state funeral ceremony will be held on Friday at 9:00 a.m. at the Nyayo National Stadium. Guests are expected to arrive by 8:00 a.m. for a solemn two-hour event.

The ceremony will include military honours, a sermon officiated by the Anglican Church of Kenya, a eulogy by the Odinga family, and messages of condolence from Kenyan leaders and foreign heads of state and government in attendance.

The government has already received confirmation of the participation of numerous official delegations from East Africa, the African continent, and other parts of the world. Many other leaders, Kindiki said, have sent formal messages of condolence.

(Photo AP press)