The National Funeral Committee of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has announced a change in funeral arrangements, confirming that his body will remain at Lee Funeral Home for preservation ahead of the public viewing and subsequent airlift to Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
This adjustment departs from earlier plans to have Raila’s body stay overnight at his Karen residence before being transported to Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu for a regional viewing ahead of the Sunday, October 19 burial.
In a statement released on Friday, October 17, 2025, the ODM Party said the change was necessitated by the extended duration of the ongoing public viewing at Nyayo National Stadium, which required additional time for preparation and preservation.
“Due to unavoidable circumstances, the body of H.E. the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for overnight stay as earlier planned. After the ongoing public viewing at Nyayo Stadium, it will be returned to Lee Funeral Home for preservation in readiness for airlifting to Kisumu tomorrow morning,” the statement read.
The Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, said the adjustment ensures the late statesman’s body is well-preserved and that all transition logistics proceed smoothly.
A regional memorial service is scheduled for Jomo Kenyatta Grounds in Kisumu, where thousands, including governors, MPs, and residents from the Nyanza region, are expected to pay their final respects.
The cortege will then proceed to Bondo, Siaya County, for the final burial ceremony at the Odinga family’s Opoda farm. Raila will be laid to rest at Kango Ka Jaramogi, beside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his late son Fidel Odinga.
The ceremony will include full military honors, religious rites, and tributes from family, dignitaries, and international guests.
Though Raila had expressed his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing, the government and family said minor logistical adjustments have been made to honor that intent with dignity and precision.
