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Preparations are underway in Bondo, Siaya County, for the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following his passing in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The nation is observing a four-day state funeral programme to honour his legacy.
The grave for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been prepared at his Bondo home in Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Images of the final resting place began circulating on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, shortly after a public viewing of his body at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila's elder brother, announced that the former Prime Minister will be interred in a private ceremony near the mausoleum of their father, Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. "We will give Raila a dignified send-off which he deserves, as a dignified son of this land," Oburu Odinga stated on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He further clarified that the burial would be a private affair, attended by a limited number of people.
The state funeral programme for the late Raila Odinga, who died at the age of 80 from cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India, spans four days. On Friday, October 17, 2025, a state funeral service is scheduled to take place at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, commencing at 7:00 AM EAT and concluding by 2:00 PM EAT.
Following the Nairobi events, Odinga's body will be flown to Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for a public viewing. The venue for the Kisumu public viewing has been relocated from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo. This change was made to accommodate the anticipated large crowds and ensure safety, following chaotic scenes during public viewing in Nairobi. Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga confirmed the decision, stating, "All plans are in place to ensure that our people get the opportunity to bid baba farewell." After the Kisumu viewing, the body will be transported to Bondo for an overnight stay before the burial.
President William Ruto announced a seven-day period of national mourning following Odinga's death, with flags flying at half-mast across the country and in Kenyan missions abroad. President Ruto also officially opened a condolence book at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, shortly after participating in the public viewing at Kasarani. In a personal note in the condolence book, President Ruto praised Odinga as a patriot who inspired many and acknowledged Odinga's past support, stating, "You helped me when I needed someone to stand by me, just as I once stood by you." The government has also unveiled an official portrait of the late former Prime Minister for use during the national mourning period.
Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He was a prominent leader in the struggle for democratic reforms and multiparty politics in Kenya. Odinga unsuccessfully ran for the presidency five times, consistently alleging electoral fraud. His narrow loss in the 2007 election led to widespread unrest, resulting in approximately 1,300 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced. He subsequently became Prime Minister in a national unity government as part of a peace deal.
The National Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Odinga, has been coordinating the funeral arrangements. The committee reached a consensus to vary Odinga's personal wish to be interred within 72 hours of his death to accommodate the elaborate state funeral programme, settling on Sunday, October 19, 2025, as the burial date. The burial ceremony will incorporate both state protocol and the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya, to which Odinga belonged.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum and internationally, with leaders acknowledging Odinga's significant contributions to democracy and governance. Siaya Governor James Orengo described Odinga as "a towering figure of Kenya's Second Liberation" and a key force behind the 2010 Constitution. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua referred to him as "the father of our democracy" and "the indefatigable lion of Africa." The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the acting party leader.
While the funeral arrangements are largely settled, the long-term implications for the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party and the question of Odinga's succession remain uncertain. ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna stated that it was "too early" to discuss who might succeed him as party leader.
The funeral programme continues with the state funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, followed by public viewing in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The final burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo.
Observers will be closely watching the smooth execution of the remaining funeral ceremonies and the subsequent political developments within Odinga's former party and the broader political landscape. The unity displayed during the mourning period may offer insights into future political alignments.
