The government has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday to honour the life and legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, while receiving treatment in Kochi, India, at the age of 80.
In a gazette notice issued on Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the holiday, stating it will allow the nation to mourn and pay respects during the official State Funeral service scheduled to take place at Nyayo National Stadium.
Odinga’s passing has sent shockwaves across the country, sparking an outpouring of grief as Kenyans gather in various parts of the nation to mourn the iconic opposition leader.
His death also raises concerns about the future of Kenya’s political direction, given his long-standing role in shaping national discourse.
The National Funeral Committee confirmed that Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in accordance with the wishes of his family and his own request to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
Speaking at a press briefing in Karen, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reiterated that Raila Odinga will receive a State Funeral with full honours, as proclaimed by President William Ruto.
“Mr. Odinga expressed to his family the wish to be buried within 72 hours. The State has honoured that request,” said DP Kindiki.
A Kenyan delegation was immediately dispatched to India on Wednesday to oversee the repatriation process.
The plane carrying Odinga’s remains is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, where it will be received by President Ruto, members of Odinga’s family, and senior government officials.
From JKIA, the body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home, before being transferred to Parliament Buildings in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where the public will have an opportunity to view the body from noon until 5:00 p.m.
To accommodate national mourning, public grieving zones equipped with large screens will be set up across the country for citizens to follow the proceedings.
The State Funeral service on Friday at Nyayo Stadium is expected to draw thousands, including foreign dignitaries and VVIPs from across the globe.
Following the service, the body will be taken to Odinga’s Karen residence for an overnight vigil. On Saturday, it will be flown to Kisumu for a final public viewing at Moi Stadium, before being driven to his Bondo home in Siaya County, where it will lie overnight.
Burial is scheduled for Sunday, in keeping with Raila Odinga’s personal instructions for a swift and dignified send-off.
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