Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga dressed in traditional regalia during the funeral service of the Late George Magoha at the Odera Akang'o College Campus in Gem, Siaya County. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

At about 11:40am on Saturday, February 11, Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga arrived at the Odera Akang'o College Campus in Yala, Siaya County during the funeral service of former Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. George Magoha.

Magoha's successor, Ezekiel Machogu, was on the podium making his speech, when he was interrupted by Odinga's statement arrival.

Dressed in traditional Luo regalia, complete with a spear and a shield, Odinga walked straight to the platform where Magoha's coffin was resting on.

For about a minute, he chanted the Luo traditional dirge "Jowi", as he swung his whisk across the casket.

At this time, the programme had been stopped as screaming and ululations by mourners gripped the venue.

In Siaya County, Odinga is an undisputed king.

The interruption lasted seven minutes, before Odinga walked out of the venue.

At 11:55am, he returned to the venue, without his traditional regalia. This time around, he was in his characteristic white hat and a navy blue Kaunda suit.

Odinga greeted a few people and went and sat on his reserved seat, which was positioned between that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga's wife, Ida.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (L) having a conversation with ODM leader Raila Odinga during the funeral service of Late Education CS George Magoha in Gem, Siaya County. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Upon greeting Kenyatta, who had arrived at 11:05am, Odinga occupied his seat.

The two friends - Kenyatta and Odinga - could be seen engaging in a fond conversation.

Shortly before Odinga's arrival, two Cabinet secretaries - Florence Bore (Labour) and Ezekiel Machogu (Education) - had made their speeches.

Several Principal secretaries also attended the service, including Dr. Raymond Omollo (Interior), Dr. Belio Kipsang (Basic Education) and Dr. Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education).

Former CSs, who served in President Kenyatta's administration, were also in attendance. They include Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs), Eugene Wamalwa (Defence) and Raphael Tuju, who was the ceremony's emcee.

Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo was sent by President William Ruto to deliver the Head of State's speech.

Magoha died on January 24, 2023 aged 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Magoha's burial takes place today (Saturday, February 11) at his Umiru Village home in Gem Constituency, Siaya County.