The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has arrived at his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya County, marking the beginning of the final phase of national mourning before his burial on Sunday.
The military aircraft transporting the remains touched down in Bondo shortly after 3 p.m., following a public viewing at Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu, where thousands of mourners turned up to pay their last respects throughout the day.
According to the funeral programme issued by the national steering committee, an overnight vigil will be held at the Odinga family residence, accompanied by commendation prayers led by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).
Family members, including Mama Ida Odinga and Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, have appealed to supporters to maintain peace and order as the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic leaders.
“We ask everyone to remain calm and honour Baba’s memory with dignity and unity,” the family said in a joint statement.
The state funeral service will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds. The event will begin at 7 a.m. with the arrival of dignitaries, family, and guests before proceeding with the official ceremony.
Thousands of mourners, regional leaders, and international dignitaries are expected to attend, as Kenya prepares to lay to rest the man widely regarded as the father of modern democracy.
