The National Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has confirmed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in accordance with his family’s wishes. Speaking in Karen, Nairobi, after the announcement of Odinga’s death on Wednesday, Kindiki noted that the late leader had requested to be buried within 72 hours of his passing, a wish the family has honored in consultation with legal and religious authorities.
In line with President William Ruto’s proclamation, Raila Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with all the honours befitting a statesman. The programme has been meticulously planned to facilitate repatriation, public mourning, and state ceremonies, allowing Kenyans across the country to pay their respects.
4-Day State Funeral Programme
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- 6:30 p.m. – A Kenyan delegation is dispatched to India to facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s body to Nairobi.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
- 1:00 a.m. – The plane carrying the delegation and Raila’s body touches down in Mumbai, India.
- 3:00 a.m. – The delegation departs India for Nairobi.
- 8:30 a.m. – Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA); the body is received by President Ruto and family members, then escorted to the Lee Funeral Home.
- 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Public viewing at the Parliament buildings in Nairobi CBD. Designated public grieving points allow Kenyans across the country to watch the proceedings.
- 5:00 p.m. – The body returns to Lee Funeral Home.
Friday, October 17, 2025
- 8:00 a.m. – State funeral service at Nyayo Stadium, attended by national and international dignitaries.
- Post-service, the body is moved to Raila’s Karen residence for an overnight stay.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Transfer to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium.
- Afterwards, the body travels by road to Bondo, where it remains overnight.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Burial conducted according to Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) traditions at Raila Odinga’s family home in Bondo.
This four-day state funeral programme honors Raila Odinga’s life and legacy, enabling Kenyans to participate in mourning while observing his final wishes. It reflects the late leader’s prominent role in shaping Kenya’s democracy, devolution, and political landscape.
