The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has announced
that all Kenyan diplomatic missions around the world will open condolence books
in honour of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the ministry said the
condolence books will be available for signing from Friday, October 17, 2025,
to Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
The ministry said the
move will allow members of the diplomatic community and Kenyans abroad to pay
their respects following Raila’s death.
The ministry added that a condolence book will also be
opened at the State Department of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, where members of
the Diplomatic Corps are invited to sign.
This comes even as the body is expected to arrive in the
country at around 9.30 am, on Thursday.
Raila who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and
2013, is set to be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours, as
directed by President William Ruto.
He died on Wednesday after a cardiac arrest in India where
he was undergoing treatment.
Following President Ruto’s proclamation on Wednesday, the
country has entered a seven-day mourning period.
All national flags are flying at half-mast, and Friday has
been declared a public holiday in honour of the late opposition leader.
“Our former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga shall be
accorded a state funeral with all attendant honors,” President Ruto declared in
a solemn address to the nation.
“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public
engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning
and deep reflection,” Ruto said.
A state funeral is a public ceremony held to honour
individuals of national significance—such as heads of state or other prominent
leaders—and often includes military honours and opportunities for the public to
pay their respects.
To oversee the funeral arrangements, President Ruto revealed
the formation of a high-level committee co-chaired by Deputy President Rigathi
Gachagua and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother.
The committee will coordinate all aspects of the state
funeral, including national mourning protocols, memorial services and the final
rites.
The former PM will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19,
2025, at his Bondo Home.
Raila will be laid to rest next to his mother Mary Juma as
per his wishes. The mother died on November 5, 1984, while Raila was being
detained at Shimo la Tewa Prison and he never got a chance to pay his last
respects.
