The Kenyan government has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday to honour former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose body arrives in Nairobi today ahead of a state funeral at Nyayo Stadium and burial in Bondo on Sunday.
Nairobi, Kenya, October 16, 2025 — The government has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 of the Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, October 17, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the former Prime Minister, Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga,” reads the gazette notice issued on Thursday morning.
Raila passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at a private hospital in Koothattukulam, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, aged 80. His death prompted President William Ruto to declare seven days of national mourning.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would work closely with the Odinga family to ensure the former Premier is accorded a befitting farewell.
The national holiday is expected to give Kenyans across the country an opportunity to reflect on Raila’s life and legacy, widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Kenya’s post-independence history.
Since Wednesday, flags across the country — including at State House — have been flying at half-mast, while all government engagements have been suspended to allow for national mourning.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki revealed that it was Raila Odinga’s wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
“We have been advised as a committee by the family that it was the wish of Raila to be buried as soon as possible, and the family has informed us that the timeline is 72 hours,” Kindiki said.
Raila’s body is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m., where it will be received by President William Ruto and close members of the Odinga family.
Security has been heightened at JKIA, with a heavy presence of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel who will oversee proceedings once the body arrives.
According to the official programme released by Deputy President Kindiki, Raila will be accorded a State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, an event expected to draw dignitaries from across the world.
After arrival, the body will be moved to Lee Funeral Home before being transported to the Parliament Buildings, where it will lie in state ahead of the final rites.
Raila will be laid to rest at the family graveyard in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, beside the graves of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Fidel Odinga.
