The grave of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi home in Bondo has become a sea of colour and emotion.
What began on October 19, during his burial, as family members, friends, and dignitaries laid wreaths in his honour, has now turned into an avalanche. And now, the grave is completely covered so full that it can no longer accommodate any more flowers.
Since his burial, a steady stream of mourners, delegations, politicians, and well-wishers from Kenya and beyond have been visiting the grave.
Most visitors carry flowers or wreaths.
The grief following Raila’s death has been immense. His death left millions in disbelief. “When will Kenyans heal? Baba is no more,” Jane Akinyi, a mourner whispered quietly near the grave.
Every inch of soil on the grave is now covered with blossoms white lilies, red roses, yellow chrysanthemums, and pink carnations. Yet, as beautiful as they are, the flowers quickly wither under the Siaya sun.
To maintain the site, groundsmen have been assigned to collect the dried flowers daily and make room for new ones. They have now become part of the rhythm of mourning, carefully clearing faded petals while ensuring that Baba’s final resting place remains pristine and dignified.
Anne Atieno from Homa Bay said bringing flowers to Baba’s grave gives her a sense of peace and fulfillment. “It’s not about decoration, it’s about showing our love and appreciation for a man who gave his all to fight for the rights of Kenyans,” she said.
For Andrew Ondara, who travelled from Nyamira, the flowers symbolize remembrance and continuity.
“Baba’s spirit lives on, and when we place the flowers there, we’re saying his legacy will never die. Many of us grew up looking up to him as a symbol of hope and courage. The flowers represent that hope,” he said.
Esther Achieng from Yimbo said the act of bringing flowers carries cultural significance.
“When I come here with my children to place flowers, it’s a lesson I’m passing on that we must always remember those who fought for us,” she said.
Despite the passage of days, Opoda Farm has not known silence. On October 27, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i led a delegation from Kisii and Nyamira counties to visit Mama Ida Odinga and convey their condolences.
The group, composed of political, religious, and community leaders, was warmly received by Mama Ida before proceeding to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where they laid flowers too on Raila’s grave.
Anthropologists and historians note that the act of placing flowers on graves dates back thousands of years. According to the Biblical Archaeology Society, the earliest known burial with flowers occurred over 14,000 years ago among the Natufian culture, where an adult male and an adolescent were interred with floral offerings.
Ancient Greek and Roman societies also practiced this ritual, believing flowers brought peace to the spirits and symbolised the continuation of life. Over time, the tradition spread globally.
Common flowers used on Kenyan graves include roses for love, lilies for purity, chrysanthemums for loyalty, and carnations for admiration. In recent years, artificial silk flowers and potted plants have also gained popularity for their durability, allowing gravesites to remain adorned long after the fresh blooms wither.
