Nation Mourns Iconic Leader

Kenya is observing a seven-day period of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest. President William Ruto announced that Odinga would be accorded a state funeral with full military honours, recognising his immense contributions to Kenya's democracy. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and at all Kenyan missions abroad.

Odinga's body is scheduled to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 8:30 AM EAT. President Ruto, members of the Odinga family, and senior government officials will receive the remains before a procession to Lee Funeral Home. Later on Thursday, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM EAT, Odinga's body will lie in state at Parliament Buildings for public viewing, allowing citizens to pay their final respects.

Elaborate Funeral Programme Unveiled

The National State Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Odinga's elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, has outlined a detailed four-day programme. This schedule aims to balance state protocol, family wishes, and community considerations, including Odinga's personal request to be interred within 72 hours of his passing.

A state funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, commencing at 8:00 AM EAT. This event is expected to draw dignitaries from across Africa and beyond, reflecting Odinga's stature as a continental statesman and champion of democracy. Following the service, the body will be escorted to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil with close family and associates.

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the body will be flown to Kisumu, where a public viewing will take place at Moi Stadium from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EAT. From Kisumu, a motorcade will escort the body to Bondo, Siaya County, where it will spend the night at his ancestral home.

The final burial ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County. The service will combine state protocol with the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), to which Odinga faithfully belonged. Odinga will be laid to rest next to his mother, Mary Juma, as per his wishes.

A Legacy of Political Activism and Reform

Raila Amolo Odinga, born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu District, was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades. He was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President and a key figure in the independence struggle. After studying mechanical engineering in East Germany, Odinga returned to Kenya in 1970 and became politically active, advocating for government reforms and multi-party democracy.

His political journey was marked by periods of detention without trial, notably for six years after being accused of involvement in the 1982 attempted coup against President Daniel arap Moi. He also sought refuge in Norway in 1991. Odinga served as the Member of Parliament for Lang'ata Constituency from 1992 to 2013 and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Energy.

Odinga ran for president five times, in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, each time alleging electoral fraud. He served as Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013 following the contentious 2007 presidential election. In 2018, he famously reconciled with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, leading to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Most recently, in February 2025, he unsuccessfully vied for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

While the funeral arrangements are largely in place, the long-term political implications of Odinga's passing remain to be fully understood. His absence leaves a significant void in Kenya's political landscape, particularly within the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party, which he led. The succession within the opposition and the future direction of multi-party politics in Kenya will be closely watched.

Kenyans are urged to maintain peace and unity throughout the mourning period. Public grieving spaces with live broadcasts of the events will be set up nationwide to accommodate those unable to attend in person.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Death: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
• Age at Death: 80 years
• Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest (in Kochi, India)
• National Mourning Period: Seven days, with flags at half-mast (declared by President William Ruto)
• Body Repatriation: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 8:30 AM EAT (JKIA, Nairobi)
• Public Viewing: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM EAT (Parliament Buildings, Nairobi)
• State Funeral Service: Friday, October 17, 2025, 8:00 AM EAT (Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi)
• Burial Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Burial Location: Bondo, Siaya County (ancestral home)
• Burial Wishes: To be interred within 72 hours of death, next to his mother Mary Juma

What to Watch

The coming days will focus on the smooth execution of the state funeral and burial ceremonies. Beyond this, observers will be keen to see how the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party navigates the succession question and how Odinga's legacy continues to influence Kenya's political discourse. The unity displayed during this period of national mourning may offer insights into future political alignments.