Longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga was buried Sunday in a ceremony that capped around the country.
, where he was receiving medical treatment.
According to Kenyan media, he is the first non-president ever to be honored with a state funeral.
Odinga was given was full military honors, including a 17-gun salute by the army.
The 80-year-old was revered for his fight against the autocratic rule of the government of Daniel Arap Moi, which saw him jailed and ultimately forced into exile.
Thousands from across the East African country traveled to Odinga’s rural home in Bondo, western Kenya, to participate in Sunday’s ceremony after days of mass events that saw five people killed — , three by police gunfire.
Sunday’s event passed without any major security incidents.
Uncertainty as Ruto vows to honor Odinga pact
One mourner speaking with to the AFP news agency said Odinga taught Kenyans the importance of fighting for their rights, saying, “That is why, according to our customs, we had to make sure that we step on the soil where he will be laid to rest, so that our hearts may be contented.”
Sunday’s funeral featured hours of speeches from Odinga’s family as well as political leaders such as and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In March, Ruto signed a political pact with Odinga after . Ruto credited Odinga with helping him “steady the country.”
Ruto has said he will continue to honor the deal, though it was not immediately clear that Odinga’s party was still interested in upholding it.
Edited by: Karl Sexton
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