It was the wish of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to be buried within the shortest time possible after his demise.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is the co-chair of the committee coordinating Raila’s state funeral programme, on Wednesday, October 15 evening said that the Odinga family had informed the committee that Raila must be buried within 72 hours of his demise.
However, during a meeting of the committee and the Odinga family at DP Kindiki’s official residence in Karen, Nairobi, it was agreed that a date that balances the wishes of Raila, his family, but also the community and other imperatives must be taken into context.
Consequently, it has been decided that Raila will be buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
“The burial of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga will take place on Sunday and will be conducted according to the traditions of the Anglican Church to which Raila Odinga belonged. I pray that we will all give the family the dignity they deserve, even as they struggle to bear with the moment of grief,” Kindiki announced.
Receiving Raila’s body
Kindiki also revealed that an India-bound plane carrying a delegation of Kenyan leaders to facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s remains is expected to touch down in Mumbai at around 1 am local time.
“…they will have a ground time of two hours, and make a turn-around to arrive in Nairobi aproximately 8:30 am Thursday morning.”
Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the body will be received by President William Ruto, members of the Odinga family and other officials, escoprted to Lee Funeral Home, and at 12 oclock, it will be moved to the Parliamentary Buildings.
“In Parliament, there will be public viewing of the body of Raila tomoprrow from 12 noon to 5 pm in the evening.
“The committee has decided to help members of the public, supporters and friends of Raila who may not make it to some of the events with public places from which they can watch all the proceedings from tomorrow’s arrival to the other events that will follow until the final rites and the interment of Raila.”
On Friday, October 17 from 8am, there will be a state funeral service of the late Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium. This state funeral service, DP Kindiki says, is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya. It is a state event and it will be conducted in accordance with the protocols of state events to give respect to the stature of the fallen hero.
