Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the co-chair of the National Funeral Committee for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, addresses journalists at his official Karen residence on October 16, 2025./DPCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the co-chair of the National Funeral Committee for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has announced that preparations for the third day of national mourning are complete, with Raila’s body set to be airlifted to Kisumu on Saturday morning.
Speaking from his official residence in Karen, where he was flanked by co-chair Oburu Odinga and other committee members, Kindiki said the Kenya Defence Forces will transport the mortal remains to Mamboleo grounds for public viewing.
He thanked Parliament for hosting Raila’s body earlier on Friday, allowing legislators to pay their final respects before the casket was moved to Nyayo National Stadium for a public viewing ceremony.
“We are pleased with what has happened in the afternoon — the public viewing, which saw thousands of mourners pay respect to Raila. That exercise has continued and ended peacefully, solemnly, and with utmost dignity notwithstanding there were thousands at the stadium,” Kindiki said.
He described the second day of mourning as “a success,” adding that the nation now enters the third day with renewed resolve and unity.
“It is heavy, but we must do everything to protect the image of our fallen leader and the image of Kenya,” he said.
"The public viewing of the remains has successfully been concluded , with thousands of mourners paying their last respects peacefully, solemnly, and with utmost dignity."
Kindiki called on members of the public attending the Kisumu event to be seated by 7am. He said public viewing at Mamboleo will continue for most of the day “until we are satisfied everyone has had a chance.”
Later, the body will be taken to Bondo for an overnight stay ahead of Sunday’s burial. The detailed programme for the final day will be released on Saturday evening through a media dispatch.
“We are relocating to Kisumu and Siaya, working overnight in readiness for tomorrow,” Kindiki said, commending committee members for their dedication.
“Thanks to my colleagues—they are doing a great job and are responsible for some of the gains we are making."
Earlier, Interior PS Raymond Omollo also said that preparations have been finalised ahead of the public viewing of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga’s body in Kisumu on Saturday, with county and national officials assuring residents of smooth coordination, security, and order during the solemn exercise.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium on Friday, PS Omollo said the body of the late former Prime Minister is expected to arrive at the stadium by 8 a.m., urging members of the public to begin arriving as early as 7 a.m.
“The viewing will take place here at the stadium. We expect the body to arrive by 8 a.m., and the public should start streaming in by 7 a.m. There will be no speeches, only a short prayer by the clergy before the viewing begins,” said Omollo.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who hosted the briefing, urged residents to maintain peace and decorum during the viewing exercise, describing it as a solemn moment of reflection and respect.
“Tomorrow is not a day for celebration or merrymaking; it is a mourning occasion,” Nyong’o said.
