As Kenya bids farewell to one of its most influential political figures, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a strong emphasis has been placed on maintaining peace and order throughout the ongoing funeral rites. The call for calm comes after chaotic scenes marred initial public viewing events in Nairobi, highlighting the complexities of managing national mourning for a leader of Odinga's stature.

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On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Odinga's body arrived in Kisumu aboard a military helicopter, coded ENIGMA01, at 7:20 AM EAT, receiving a final military water salute. Thousands of mourners are expected to pay their last respects during a public viewing at Mamboleo Stadium (initially designated Jomo Kenyatta Stadium) from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EAT. Following the viewing, the body will be transported by road to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight vigil at his ancestral home, ahead of his burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang' Nyong'o and Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa have appealed to residents to uphold peace and dignity, urging them to honour Odinga's legacy by avoiding confrontations. This appeal follows incidents on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Nairobi, where crowds overwhelmed security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and during a planned lying-in-state at Parliament Buildings, which was subsequently moved to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Chaotic scenes at Kasarani resulted in at least four fatalities and several injuries, with police resorting to tear gas to manage the surging crowds.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80 due to cardiac arrest, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over five decades. Son of Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila was a central figure in the 'Second Liberation' movement that advocated for multi-party democracy in the early 1990s. He endured nearly nine years of detention without trial during President Daniel arap Moi's regime for his activism.

Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in a Grand Coalition Government formed after the disputed 2007 presidential election, which led to widespread post-election violence. His role in the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, mediated by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, ushered in a period of calm and inclusivity. Despite contesting the presidency five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022), he was never successful, often alleging electoral fraud.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

While State Funerals in Kenya are public ceremonies honouring individuals of national significance, the country currently lacks a single codified law outlining all requirements and procedures. Protocols are largely guided by tradition, executive practice, and presidential discretion. A State Funeral is typically declared by the sitting President, who also announces a period of national mourning during which flags are flown at half-mast. Full military honours, as accorded to Odinga, are standard for sitting or former presidents and can be extended to other distinguished individuals upon authorisation by the Defence Council, recognising their national contribution.

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The State Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has been instrumental in coordinating the elaborate four-day programme. President William Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period and confirmed Odinga would be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours. Odinga's widow, Ida Odinga, has appealed to Kenyans to uphold peace and unity throughout the mourning period. Leaders across the political spectrum, including President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, have paid glowing tributes to Odinga, acknowledging his contributions to democracy, peace, and stability.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Passing: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
• Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest in India
• National Mourning Period: Seven days, declared by President William Ruto
• State Funeral Service: Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
• Public Holiday: Friday, October 17, 2025, declared a public holiday to mourn Raila Odinga
• Burial Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County
• Nyayo National Stadium Capacity: Officially 18,000 seats, though it has hosted 30,000 in the past.

Risks and Implications

The immense public turnout witnessed during the initial viewing at Kasarani Stadium highlighted the challenges of managing large crowds during such a significant national event. The lack of a fully codified law for State Funerals in Kenya can lead to inconsistencies in protocols and potential ambiguities in public expectations. Ensuring security and maintaining order while accommodating public grief remains a key consideration for the organising committee, particularly as the funeral procession moves through Kisumu and Bondo, where equally large crowds are anticipated.

Unknowns and Controversies

While the State Funeral programme is largely set, the precise number of foreign heads of state and government attending the Nyayo Stadium service was not fully confirmed, though Deputy President Kindiki indicated a significant number had confirmed. The full extent of Odinga's personal wishes regarding his funeral, beyond the 72-hour interment timeframe, has not been publicly detailed.

Timeline and Next Steps

The four-day State Funeral programme for Raila Odinga culminates with his burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Odinga's body will be viewed by the public at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu before being transported to Bondo for an overnight stay.

What to Watch

Attention will now turn to the public viewing in Kisumu and the final burial ceremony in Bondo. The management of crowds and the adherence to peace calls by local leaders will be closely monitored. The burial ceremony in Bondo is expected to combine State protocol with Anglican Church of Kenya traditions, as per Odinga's faith.