Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honour the life and legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The announcement, made through a special gazette notice, comes as the country continues to mourn the passing of the veteran statesman who died in India on Wednesday, October 15, while undergoing treatment. Raila’s death at the age of 80 has plunged the nation into grief, sparking tributes from leaders and citizens alike who hailed him as a fearless reformer and a pillar of Kenya’s democracy.
According to the National Funeral Committee, Raila’s burial has been scheduled for Sunday, October 19, in line with the wishes of his family. A Kenyan delegation left for India earlier in the week to coordinate the repatriation of his remains.
The plane carrying Raila’s body is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, where it will be received by President William Ruto, members of the Odinga family, and senior government officials before being escorted to the Lee Funeral Home.
On the same day, the body will be moved to Parliament Buildings in Nairobi for public viewing, allowing Kenyans from all walks of life to pay their last respects. Designated public mourning centres across the country will also broadcast the proceedings live.
Friday, October 17, will mark the official State Funeral service at Nyayo Stadium, expected to draw world leaders, diplomats, and dignitaries from across Africa and beyond. After the service, the body will rest overnight at Raila’s Karen residence.
On Saturday, the cortege will travel to Kisumu, where the late leader will lie in state at Moi Stadium for a public viewing before making its final journey by road to his ancestral home in Bondo for the night.
The funeral procession will culminate in Raila Odinga’s interment on Sunday, bringing to a close a life defined by courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the nation.
