The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.
The announcement was made through a gazette notice issued by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 17th October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the notice read.
The remains of the ODM leader are expected to arrive in the country on Thursday morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Mumbai, India. President William Ruto is expected to lead government officials in receiving the body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before it is taken to Lee Funeral Home for preservation and preparation.
Later in the day, Raila’s body will be taken to Parliament Buildings, where members of the public will be allowed to pay their last respects. In the evening, the body will be moved to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil.
Also Read: Who is Raila Odinga? The Life, Career, and Legacy of Kenya’s Longest-Serving Opposition Leader
According to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the national funeral committee, Raila had expressed a wish to be laid to rest within seventy-two hours of his passing. However, he noted that logistical factors related to his death abroad would slightly alter the timelines.
Raila Odinga’s Burial Programme
Thursday, October 16, 2025
- 1:00am – Delegation arrival in Mumbai
- 2:00am – Departure from Mumbai
- 8:30am – Arrival at JKIA, Nairobi
- 10:00am – Transfer to Lee Funeral Home
- 12:00pm – 5:00pm – Public viewing at Parliament Buildings
- Evening – Overnight stay at Raila’s Karen home
Friday, October 17, 2025
- 8:00am – State Funeral Service at Nyayo National Stadium
- Afternoon – Procession to Karen home for overnight vigil
Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Morning – Departure from Nairobi to Kisumu
- 9:00am – 3:00pm – Public viewing at Moi Stadium, Kisumu
- Afternoon – Procession from Kisumu to Bondo, Siaya County
Sunday, October 19, 2025
- 9:00am – Funeral service and burial rites at his home in Bondo, Siaya County
The burial will honour Raila Odinga’s wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death, marking the final farewell to one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures.
