The National Funeral Committee on the State Funeral of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has officially confirmed that the former Prime Minister will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in accordance with his family’s wishes.
Speaking during a press briefing held at Raila’s Karen residence shortly after news of his passing, Deputy President Kindiki revealed that Raila had expressed a personal desire to be buried within 72 hours of his death — a wish that the family has insisted must be honoured.
“We have been advised by the family, through their lawyer, that it was the late Raila Odinga’s wish to be buried within the shortest time possible — specifically within 72 hours,” said Kindiki.
“In line with President William Ruto’s directive, the late Prime Minister will be accorded a State Funeral with full honours, befitting his stature as a national statesman.”
The Deputy President also shared the official funeral itinerary, detailing every stage from the repatriation of Raila’s body from India to the final burial ceremony at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Official Programme for the Late Raila Odinga’s State Funeral
Wednesday, October 15
- 6:30 p.m. – A Kenyan government delegation departs for India to coordinate the repatriation of Raila’s body.
Thursday, October 16
- 1:00 a.m. – The delegation arrives in Mumbai, India.
- 3:00 a.m. – The team departs India for Nairobi aboard a Kenya Airways flight.
- 8:30 a.m. – The aircraft carrying Raila’s remains arrives at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The body is received by President William Ruto, family members, and senior government officials before being taken to Lee Funeral Home. - 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Public viewing at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, with live broadcasts and viewing stations set up nationwide.
- 5:00 p.m. – The body returns to Lee Funeral Home for preservation.
Friday, October 17
- 8:00 a.m. – A State Funeral Service will be held at Nyayo National Stadium, attended by dignitaries, international guests, and thousands of mourners.
- After the ceremony, the body will be transferred to Raila’s Karen residence for an overnight vigil.
Saturday, October 18
- 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – The cortege departs Nairobi for Kisumu, where a public viewing will take place at Moi Stadium.
- Later in the evening, the body will travel by road to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight stay at his ancestral home.
Sunday, October 19
- Burial Ceremony – The late Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at his Opoda home in Bondo, in a ceremony conducted under the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) traditions.
The State Funeral is expected to draw regional and international dignitaries, reflecting Raila’s enduring influence as a champion of democracy, unity, and social justice.
