The government has declared Friday, 17th October 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away earlier this week while receiving treatment in India.

In a Special Gazette Notice No. 15007 issued on Thursday, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110).

“It is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 17th October 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the notice read.

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Kipchumba Murkomen//Courtesy

A state funeral is scheduled to take place at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, where both local and international dignitaries are expected to attend.

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The declaration comes as Kenya continues to mourn the veteran opposition leader and long-serving statesman, whose passing has united the nation in grief and reflection. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum and beyond the country’s borders.

Since Wednesday, flags across Kenya have been flying at half-mast, while condolence books have been opened in government offices, embassies, and ODM party branches. Preparations are also underway to repatriate his body from India, with a national funeral committee coordinating arrangements alongside the Odinga family.

The public holiday will give Kenyans time to honour and reflect on Odinga’s enduring legacy as one of the country’s foremost champions of democracy, constitutional reform, and social justice.

Raila Odinga, 80, served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government, which followed the disputed 2007 presidential election. A five-time presidential candidate and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Odinga was widely admired for his resilience and his lifelong commitment to democratic ideals.

CS Murkomen assured the nation that the government will continue to work closely with the Odinga family to ensure a dignified send-off befitting his stature as a national leader.

The public holiday will be observed across the country, with both national and county flags remaining at half-mast until the day of his burial.