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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's burial is set for Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Siaya County, following a three-day state farewell that includes public viewing and a national memorial service in Nairobi.
Kenyans are preparing to bid farewell to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a towering figure in the nation's political landscape, with a state funeral spanning three days. The solemn events will culminate in his burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the National Funeral Committee alongside Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, confirmed the schedule on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He noted that the arrangements align with the Odinga family's wish for the former Prime Minister to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
Mr. Odinga's body is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi at 8:30 AM on Thursday, October 16, 2025. President William Ruto, accompanied by members of the Odinga family, will receive the remains. A high-level delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and including Mama Ida Odinga, had been dispatched to India to oversee the repatriation process.
Following its arrival, the body will be transported to Lee Funeral Home. Later on Thursday, between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, Kenyans will have the opportunity to view the body as it lies in state at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi. The body will then return to Lee Funeral Home for the night.
A State Funeral service will be held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, October 17, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM. This event is expected to draw local and international dignitaries, honouring Mr. Odinga's significant contributions to Kenya. After the service, the body will be moved to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the body will be flown to Kisumu for a public viewing at Moi Stadium from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Subsequently, it will be transported by road to his Bondo home in Siaya County for a final overnight stay before the burial.
State funerals in Kenya are public ceremonies reserved for individuals of national importance, typically declared by the sitting President. While traditions and executive practices guide these events, Kenya currently lacks a single codified law outlining all requirements and procedures. This has sometimes led to variations in the honours accorded, the duration of lying in state, and burial venues for individuals who served in roles other than the presidency.
President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country and at all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad, in honour of Mr. Odinga. Mr. Odinga will be accorded a state funeral with full military honours, a recognition of his decades of service to the nation.
While the family expressed a wish for burial within 72 hours, the logistical complexities of repatriating the body from India necessitated adjustments to the timeline. The National Funeral Committee has worked to balance these wishes with the practicalities of a state farewell.
Kenyans are urged to maintain peace and unity during this period of mourning, reflecting on Mr. Odinga's legacy of tolerance and national cohesion.
The nation will observe the final rites with keen interest, particularly the attendance of international dignitaries at the State Funeral service. The adherence to traditional customs alongside state protocols will also be a point of focus as Kenya honours one of its most influential leaders. The government has announced public grieving spaces where proceedings will be broadcast live for those unable to attend in person.
