The remains of Kenya’s former Prime Minister and father of devolution, Raila Amollo Odinga, are aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Mumbai, India, and are expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m.
The late statesman’s body, draped in the Kenyan flag, will be received by President William Ruto at JKIA, where a military guard of honour will be mounted. Migori Senator Eddy Oketch led prayers for Raila and the delegation prior to their departure from India.
Delegation and Repatriation
A high-level government delegation to India, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, included Senator Oketch, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, among others. Representing the family is Raila’s youngest daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga.
The former opposition leader, who died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic facility, will be accorded a state funeral with full honours, as announced by President Ruto.
National Funeral Committee
A national funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, has begun overseeing arrangements. According to the detailed programme, the funeral planning will involve four committees based in Karen, Kisumu, Bondo, and Nairobi.
Upon arrival, Raila’s body will be taken to the Lee Funeral Home before being transferred to Parliament Buildings for public viewing. It will then rest overnight at his Karen home.
Raila’s Final Wishes
In keeping with his will, Raila had wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death. However, logistical delays due to his demise occurring abroad have slightly adjusted the schedule.
Official Funeral Programme
The official programme of events is as follows:
Thursday, October 16: Arrival at JKIA (8:30 a.m.), transfer to Lee Funeral Home, and public viewing at Parliament between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Friday, October 17: State funeral service at Nyayo Stadium at 8 a.m., followed by a vigil at his Karen home.
Saturday, October 18: Procession from Nairobi to Kisumu, with public viewing at Moi Stadium, Kisumu City (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.), before proceeding to Bondo.
Sunday, October 19: Funeral service and burial at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Nyamira, Bondo, beside the graves of his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son Fidel Odinga.
Preparations in Bondo
Preparations are already underway in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where Raila will be laid to rest next to his mother, Mary Juma, who died in 1984 while he was detained at Shimo la Tewa Prison.
National Mourning Declared
President Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period in honour of the late ODM leader. All national flags will fly at half-mast across the country and at Kenyan missions abroad. Friday has also been declared a public holiday.
“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection,” the President said.
A Legacy of Courage and Reform
Ruto hailed Raila as “a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior for good governance.”
“Fellow patriots, we have lost a beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy,” he said, adding that Raila’s name would forever be etched in Kenya’s history of struggle and reform.
The President described him as “a once-in-a-generation leader whose ideals transcended politics”, emphasising that Raila’s vision and courage had shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
Condolences to the Odinga Family
He extended his condolences to Ida Odinga, their children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie, the Odinga family, and all Kenyans mourning the loss.
“In a political career spanning decades, Raila offered a compelling model of principled politics. At critical moments in our nation’s journey, he always put Kenya before personal interest,” Ruto concluded.
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