Today, the body of Raila Odinga is being transported by a solemn military escort from Parliament Buildings to the Nyayo National Stadium. The presence of his remains at Parliament was a gesture of profound national respect.
The Parliament Buildings, the seat of Kenya’s legislature and democracy, served as the place where the late former Prime Minister lay in state.
It is a traditional and constitutional honour reserved for statesmen of the highest national rank, typically former Presidents, and, in this case, a former Prime Minister who shaped the nation’s political landscape.
It allowed members of the legislature, officials, and, crucially, the general public a chance to file past the coffin and pay their final, formal respects to a man who spent decades fighting for the very democratic institutions housed there.
Though initial plans for the public viewing at Parliament were quickly moved to the larger Kasarani Stadium due to overwhelming crowds, the act of lying in state at the Parliament Buildings officially consecrated his status as a national hero.
The military-led procession is now moving to the Nyayo National Stadium. This is the venue for the State Funeral Service.
The ceremony will feature full military honours, a sermon from the Anglican Church of Kenya, eulogies from the family, and speeches from Kenyan and international leaders, including foreign Heads of State and Government.
The National Funeral Committee confirmed that the service is designed to be a grand, dignified send-off befitting Mr Odinga’s stature.
“Today is about honouring the life of a great Kenyan. Tomorrow, the journey returns him to the people who loved him most.”
Following the conclusion of the State Funeral Service at Nyayo Stadium, the final itinerary proceeds swiftly, honouring Mr Odinga’s wish to be interred within 72 hours of his passing:
The body was to be escorted to the late statesman’s residence in Karen, Nairobi, for a private overnight vigil, however, that has since been scrapped off, with the public viewing of Raila’s body ongoing at Nyayo Stadium.
Journey to Kisumu
The body will be flown from Nairobi to Kisumu, the heart of the Nyanza region.
A major public viewing will take place at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium (Mamboleo) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
A motorcade will then escort the body by road from Kisumu to the final destination, his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, for a final overnight vigil at Opoda Farm.
Sunday, October 19, 2025: Final Burial
The funeral service and burial rites will take place at his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya County.
As per his last wishes, Raila Odinga will be laid to rest beside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga.
