The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a
public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga,
who passed away while receiving treatment in India.
In a special gazette notice No. 15007 published on Thursday,
the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba
Murkomen, announced the declaration 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.
A state funeral will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.
The announcement comes as the country continues to mourn the
veteran opposition leader and long-serving statesman, whose death has drawn
tributes from across the political divide and beyond Kenya’s borders.
Flags across the country have been flying at half-mast since
Wednesday, when news of Odinga’s passing was confirmed, while condolence books
have been opened in government offices, embassies, and ODM party offices.
Preparations are underway to receive his body from India,
with a national funeral committee expected to announce burial plans in
consultation with the family.
The declaration of a national holiday is expected to allow
Kenyans from all walks of life to reflect on the legacy of the late Prime
Minister, who was widely regarded 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 following the
disputed 2007 presidential election. He was also a five-time presidential
contender and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Interior CS Murkomen said the government would continue to
work closely with the Odinga family to ensure a dignified send-off befitting
his status as a national leader.
The public holiday will be observed nationwide, with national and county flags continuing to fly at half-mast until the day of his burial.
According to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the co-chair of the burial committee, it was the wish of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga to be laid to rest within seventy-two hours of his passing. However, given that his demise occurred outside the country, certain logistical considerations and formalities will understandably affect the timelines.
Accordingly, the programme of events leading to his burial shall be as follows:
1am, Thursday: - Delegation arrival in Mumbai.
2am, Thursday: - Departure from Mumbai
8:30am: -Arrival at JKIA Thursday
10am, Thursday: - Lee funeral Home
12pm - 5pm, Thursday, - Parliament for public viewing.
Friday, October 17, 2025 - State Funeral Service at Nyayo National Stadium- 8am
Procession to Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga's Karen Home
Overnight layover and vigil at the Karen Home.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Departure from Nairobi to Kisumu County
Public Viewing of the body at Moi Stadium, Kisumu City—9am to 3pm
Procession from Kisumu City to Bondo, Siaya County
Sunday, October 19, 2025
