Nairobi witnessed a profound display of national mourning on Friday, October 17, 2025, as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was accorded a State Funeral with full military honours. The elaborate ceremony, held at Nyayo National Stadium, underscored Odinga's significant impact on Kenya's political landscape and democratic reforms. The event, which included a gun carriage procession, military pallbearers, and a 19-gun salute, is a rare distinction for a leader who was not a sitting or retired President.

The day began with Odinga's body lying in state at Parliament Buildings, guarded by uniformed officers, allowing legislators and dignitaries, led by President William Ruto, to pay their final respects. The procession then moved to Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands of Kenyans and international guests gathered. The State Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Oginga, Odinga's elder brother, oversaw the four-day national mourning period.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Amolo Odinga, born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over five decades. His political career was largely defined by a relentless pursuit of democracy and constitutional reform, notably his central role in the 'Second Liberation' movement that advocated for multi-party democracy in the early 1990s. This period led to the repeal of Section 2A of the constitution, a significant milestone in Kenya's democratic journey. Odinga endured nearly nine years in detention without trial under President Daniel arap Moi's regime due to his activism. Despite running for president five times, his influence extended beyond electoral politics, shaping national discourse and advocating for civil liberties.

Laws, Policy, and Governance of State Funerals

In Kenya, a State Funeral is the highest expression of national honour, typically reserved for individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped national history. While established customs and traditions guide these ceremonies, Kenya currently lacks a formal law explicitly defining the organisation of State Funerals or the precise qualifications for receiving one. The power to grant a State Funeral rests solely with the sitting President, who issues an official proclamation and often declares a period of national mourning, during which national flags are flown at half-mast.

Traditionally, full military honours are standard for sitting or retired Heads of State and Chiefs of Defence Forces. For other distinguished individuals, such honours require authorisation from the Defence Council, based on their national contribution. This discretion has led to inconsistencies in the honours accorded, the duration of lying in state, and burial venues, prompting calls from legal scholars for codified legislation to ensure clear, fair, and consistent standards.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The State Funeral for Raila Odinga involved extensive coordination between government entities, the Odinga family, and various national and international stakeholders. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, co-chair of the State Funeral Committee, acknowledged the overwhelming public turnout during the viewing at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday, October 16, 2025. President William Ruto's declaration of a seven-day national mourning period and the decision to accord Odinga full military honours underscored the nation's recognition of his legacy.

Evidence and Data

• First State Funeral: Founding President Jomo Kenyatta in 1978.
• Total State Funerals (with military honours): Jomo Kenyatta (1978), Daniel arap Moi (2020), Mwai Kibaki (2022), and Francis Ogolla (2024).
• Total State Funerals (without full military honours): Michael Kijana Wamalwa (2003), Wangari Maathai (2011), Lucy Kibaki (2016), Mukami Kimathi (2023), and Kelvin Kiptum (2024).
• Gun Salutes Protocol (Defence Forces Standing Orders): Serving presidents receive a 21-gun salute; retired presidents, sitting prime ministers, and serving generals receive a 19-gun salute; retired prime ministers receive a 17-gun salute.
• Lying in State: Odinga's body lay in state at Parliament Buildings on Friday, October 17, 2025.
• National Mourning Period: Seven days declared by President William Ruto, with flags at half-mast.

Risks and Implications

The absence of a codified legal framework for State Funerals continues to pose risks of inconsistency and potential debate over who qualifies for such honours. While presidential discretion allows flexibility in recognising national heroes, it can also lead to perceptions of arbitrariness. Codifying these procedures would ensure transparency, predictability, and equality in how Kenya honours its distinguished citizens, aligning with calls from legal scholars.

Unknowns and Controversies

The specific criteria for granting full military honours to individuals outside the presidency remain a subject of public interest, particularly given the varying levels of honours accorded in past State Funerals. The debate over whether such protocols should be enshrined in law or continue to be guided by tradition and presidential discretion persists.

Timeline and Next Steps

Following the State Funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, Odinga's body was returned to Lee Funeral Home and later taken to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil. The body is scheduled to depart for Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for further rites.

What to Watch

The discussions surrounding the need for a formal legal framework for State Funerals are likely to intensify following Odinga's send-off. Observers will be watching for any legislative efforts to codify the criteria and procedures for these national tributes, ensuring greater clarity and consistency for future generations. The ongoing national dialogue about Odinga's legacy and its impact on Kenya's democratic future will also be a key area of focus.