From a Tanzanian prison cell, opposition leader Tundu Lissu has sent a clear and direct message to his supporters: attend Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo.
The instruction, captured in a trending video during one of his court sessions, has drawn attention across East Africa for both its symbolism and its political undertone.
Tundu Lissu and Raila Odinga share a history built on mutual respect and shared ideals of democratic reform.
Lissu, who rose to prominence as a sharp critic of state power in Tanzania, has often drawn inspiration from Odinga’s long struggle for multiparty democracy in Kenya.
The two men have appeared together at various regional forums, and Lissu has in the past described Odinga as a mentor and a friend.
Over time, their relationship cooled somewhat as both leaders pursued different political paths, but Lissu continued to speak of Odinga with admiration, often citing him as a figure who endured persecution without surrendering his ideals.
Now facing treason charges, Lissu’s call to his supporters carries more than a personal tone of grief. It is a gesture of solidarity, crossing national borders and political boundaries.
By urging Tanzanians and fellow East Africans to honour Odinga’s legacy, Lissu reaffirmed a spirit of unity among those who have challenged authoritarian rule in the region.
His party, Chadema, has since confirmed that senior officials will represent him at the burial in Bondo, since his detention prevents him from attending in person.
Raila Odinga’s burial, expected to take place at his family’s home in Bondo, has become a moment of reflection for many across the continent.
Leaders and citizens alike see in his story the trials and triumphs of post-independence African democracy.
For Lissu, who has survived assassination attempts and years of exile, Odinga’s life embodies endurance and faith in the democratic struggle.
