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Kenyans will observe a national public holiday on Friday, October 17, 2025, to mourn the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80.
The Kenyan government has officially declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. The announcement, made through a special gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110), facilitates a national day of mourning and reflection.
Mr. Odinga, a veteran opposition leader and five-time presidential contender, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Kochi, India, at the age of 80, after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment. His death has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the political spectrum and beyond Kenya's borders, with many remembering him as "The President Kenya never had."
Raila Odinga's political career spanned over four decades, marked by his relentless fight for multi-party democracy and constitutional reforms. Born in January 1945 to Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he rose to prominence in the 1980s as a vocal critic of the one-party regime, enduring years of detention without trial.
His closest bid for the presidency was in 2007, a disputed election that led to widespread post-election violence. An international mediation effort, led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, resulted in a power-sharing agreement, with Odinga serving as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in Kenya's first post-independence coalition government.
Despite never achieving the presidency, Odinga remained a central figure in Kenyan politics, inspiring millions, particularly the youth and the economically disadvantaged, who viewed him as a champion of justice and fairness. His charisma and persistence made him a symbol of hope for generations.
President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning following Odinga's death, with national flags flying at half-mast across the country and in all Kenyan missions abroad. President Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and several Cabinet Secretaries, visited the Odinga family home in Karen, Nairobi, to offer condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the family.
A national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga (Raila's elder brother), has been established to oversee the funeral arrangements. The Indian government has offered to facilitate the repatriation of Odinga's remains at Kenya's request. A delegation of over 30 Kenyan leaders, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, departed for India to coordinate the return of his body. Odinga's body is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 9:49 AM EAT.
A state funeral will be held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, allowing for public participation in bidding farewell to the revered leader. The former Prime Minister is scheduled to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
Tributes have poured in from various leaders, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who described Odinga as more than a political counterpart, acknowledging his pivotal role in his own public service and life. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka hailed Odinga as "a remarkable leader, the President who won but was never officially declared or sworn in," emphasizing his fight for multi-party democracy.
Internationally, China and Russia have also extended their condolences, recognizing Odinga's stature as a continental figure and his contributions to fostering strong ties between Kenya and global powers. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, described Odinga as "an old friend of the Chinese people" who significantly advanced China-Kenya relations.
The passing of Raila Odinga leaves a significant void in Kenya's political landscape. His role as a unifying figure for a substantial segment of the population and his ability to galvanize opposition movements have been central to Kenya's democratic discourse. The immediate implications include the need for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to navigate a future without its long-standing leader and for the broader political class to adapt to a new dynamic.
The nation will be closely watching the funeral proceedings and the subsequent political realignments within the ODM party and the broader opposition. The unity demonstrated by political leaders in mourning Odinga may set a precedent for future political discourse, particularly as the country approaches the next general election. The implementation of youth-focused initiatives, such as the Nyota Fund, which aims to address youth unemployment and frustration, will also be under scrutiny as the government seeks to engage a restless demographic.
