Friday Declared a Public Holiday

The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who died on Wednesday, October 15, while receiving treatment in India at the age of 80.

According to a gazette notice issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the day will allow Kenyans across the country to mourn and pay their last respects to the veteran politician whose influence has shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is chairing the National Funeral Committee, confirmed that Raila will be accorded a State Funeral with full honours, following a proclamation by President William Ruto. Kindiki also revealed that Raila had expressed his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death, a request his family has agreed to honour.

A Kenyan delegation has already been dispatched to India to facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s body. The plane carrying his remains is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, where it will be received by President Ruto, members of the Odinga family, and senior government officials before being taken to the Lee Funeral Home.

The body will later be moved to the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi for public viewing, with additional public grieving centres set up across the country to allow citizens to follow the proceedings.

On Friday, the State funeral service will be held at Nyayo Stadium, where local and international dignitaries are expected to attend. After the service, the body will be moved to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight stay, before being flown to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium on Saturday.

The final journey will see the body transported by road to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight stay ahead of the burial on Sunday, October 19, in accordance with his family’s wishes.