Prominent lawyer and political commentator Miguna Miguna has explained why he did not attend the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing his absence as a matter of principle and personal history rather than disrespect.
During a virtual interview from Canada on Wednesday, Miguna, once a close ally of the late opposition leader, said he chose not to attend the funeral because Raila never attended the funerals of his own family members, including Miguna’s sister-in-law and father-in-law. He said this shaped his view that Raila’s death “was not more special than those of ordinary Kenyans” and did not warrant him dropping all his commitments to be present.
Miguna, known for his outspoken views, stressed that he lives by a principle of mutual fairness: “If you treat me fairly, I will treat you fairly. If you betray me, I have no reason to be kind to you.” He said he saw no reason to attend an event for someone who, in his view, had not shown him personal regard over the years.
The Canada-based lawyer also used the interview to criticise some of Raila’s political decisions, claiming that the late leader’s alliances with senior politicians like former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto betrayed the hopes of many Kenyans, especially the youth involved in the 2024 Gen-Z-led protests.
Miguna’s remarks come amid ongoing national reflections on the legacy of Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics whose state funeral in October 2025 drew leaders from across the political divide.
