Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has emotionally remembered former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recalling the gesture the late politician extended to his family during the burial of his younger brother, Fred Omondi.
In a message shared on social media as Kenya marks one year since Raila’s death, Eric thanked the former prime minister for the support he offered during the difficult period.
“Thank you, Baba, for all you gave. Keep resting,” Eric wrote on Thursday, October 15,2026.
The comedian accompanied the message with a video showing Raila attending Fred’s burial and embracing him as mourners gathered to bid the late entertainer farewell.
The moment captured a personal interaction between the two, with Raila taking time to console Eric during a period of grief for his family.
Raila at Fred Omondi’s burial
Raila attended Fred’s burial on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Sega, Bondo, Siaya County.
The former Prime Minister was accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Lang’ata MP Jalang’o, among other leaders.
Several entertainers also attended the ceremony to pay their last respects to Fred, who died following a road accident in Nairobi on June 14, 2024.
Fred was riding on a boda boda along Kangundo Road when it collided with a bus. He sustained serious head injuries and died from the injuries.
His death deeply affected Eric, who struggled to contain his emotions as his brother’s casket was lowered into the grave.
Raila’s presence at the burial offered the family an opportunity to receive condolences from one of the country’s most prominent political figures during a difficult moment.
Raila’s first death anniversary
Eric’s tribute comes as Kenyans mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment. His death prompted tributes from political leaders, celebrities and members of the public who remembered his contribution to Kenya’s political history.
A series of commemorative activities has been organised to honour his life and legacy, culminating in a memorial gathering at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
The programme has brought together family members, political leaders and supporters to reflect on Raila’s decades of public service and his role in Kenya’s democratic development.
On Wednesday, October 14, Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, led a candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo as family members and supporters remembered the former prime minister ahead of the anniversary.
Eric’s message highlights another side of Raila’s legacy, remembering not only his role in national politics but also moments when he stood with individuals and families during personal loss.
Through the video and his words of gratitude, the comedian reflected on a gesture that remained meaningful to him more than two years after his brother’s burial.
