Gov't declares Friday a Public Holiday to mourn Raila

Kenya's political heavyweight, Raila Amolo Odinga, breathed his last on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while recuperating in India, aged 80.

His demise has shaken the nation as mourners flocked to different parts of the nation amid fears for Kenya's future political landscape.

The National Funeral Committee on the State Funeral of the late Mr. Odinga has confirmed that he will be buried on Sunday, October 19, in line with his family's wishes.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that, in line with President William Ruto's proclamation, Raila would be accorded a State Funeral with all the honours of a statesman.

Speaking during a press briefing in Karen after the news of his demise on Wednesday, Kindiki pointed out that Raila had indicated to the family that he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death.

On Wednesday, a Kenyan delegation is dispatched to India to facilitate the repatriation of Raila's body to Nairobi from India.

The Kenyan will then depart India for Nairobi and the plane carrying Odinga's body is expected to touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning.

The body will be received by President William Ruto and members of the family, then escorted to the Lee Funeral Home. 

It will then be moved to the Parliamentary buildings in the Nairobi CBD for public viewing. There will also be public grieving places where Kenyans can watch the proceedings across the country.

On Friday, a State funeral service will be held at the Nyayo Stadium, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya.

The body will be moved to Raila's Karen home for an overnight stay and will leave Nairobi for Kisumu for public viewing at the Moi Stadium on Saturday.

Afterwards, the body travels by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay.