Let Raila rest in peace, avoid the noise around legacy - Bishop Kodia

Bishop David Kodia of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has asked Kenyans to allow former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to rest in peace, as leaders and mourners gathered at Opoda Farm in Siaya County for the commissioning of his mausoleum.

Starting his summon on Wednesday, Bishop Kodia noted a change in mood from the tension and grief that followed Raila’s death, saying those gathered had now reached a point of acceptance.

“At least today we can smile. It is like those moments when all of us were tensed. Today we are more relaxed because we have come to terms with the fact that our brother is resting in peace,” Kodia said.

He then asked the gathering to repeat the words “Rest in Peace”, saying the phrase should remain central as they remember Raila.

“Before I go further, I want to say, please let us keep those beautiful words, ‘Rest in Peace’. Can we repeat those words? I want us to do that to allow our brother to rest in peace,” he said.

Kodia also spoke about the exchanges and disagreements that have continued since Raila’s death, saying such discussions would not benefit the former Prime Minister.

“This other show we are seeing here and there will not help him wherever he is because he has the greater helper. So please, let us allow him to rest in peace,” he said.

President William Ruto is leading the official commissioning of the mausoleum at Opoda Farm, with Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o among the leaders who have arrived for the ceremony.

Raila’s family, friends, supporters and national and county leaders are also gathered for the completion and handover of the mausoleum, which has been constructed in his honour.

The ceremony comes as Kenya marks one year since Raila’s death and during Mwezi wa Baba, a month dedicated to remembering his life, political career and contribution to the country.

Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, after a long career in Kenyan public life that included serving as Prime Minister and becoming one of the country’s most prominent opposition leaders.

The mausoleum is expected to become an important heritage site at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, providing a permanent place where Raila’s life, political journey and public legacy can be preserved and remembered.