Nyayo Stadium during Raila's Funeral Service, Friday, 17, 2025./PCSWhen news broke on October 15 that veteran politician Raila Amolo Odinga had died while receiving medical care in India, the country moved at once from shock to mourning.
In four days, the nation saw a repatriation, repeated public viewings, a state funeral, deadly crowd incidents and an expedited movement of the body to Odinga’s ancestral home — all under growing security pressure as the family prepared for burial on Sunday, October 19.
Below is a step-by-step account — the count, bit by bit — of what happened after the announcement.
October 15 — The announcement and overnight preparations
Kenyan and international media reported that Raila, 80, collapsed while in India and subsequently died. Officials and the family immediately began repatriation arrangements.
The announcement set a tight timetable: the body would be flown back to Nairobi, lie in state for public respects, then be taken to western Kenya for final rites.
October 16 — Arrival in Nairobi and first public viewings
The casket arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport amid large crowds. Funeral services took custody of the remains, and organisers scheduled public viewings in Nairobi to allow mourners to pay their respects.
Within hours, tens of thousands of citizens moved toward viewing sites, echoing the depth of Raila’s political following.
October 16 (later) — Early chaos and police firing
At one of the early viewings, crowds breached security perimeters and police fired to restore order.
At least two people were shot and killed as police moved to take charge of the public viewing of the body of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kasarani International Stadium, Nairobi.
The victims were shot in a confrontation caused after a group tried to force their way into the VIP section of the stadium, where mortifications were preparing the body for viewing.
October 17 — State funeral at Nyayo National Stadium
A formal state funeral was held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, attended by political leaders, diplomats and thousands of mourners.
The ceremony was intended as an orderly national tribute; military honours and presidential addresses framed the official recognition of Raila’s decades of public life.
October 17 — Stampede at Nyayo
There was tragedy where at least two people were killed on Friday in a stampede as mourners pushed to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
Officials said 163 others were injured in the incident. At least 34 of them were referred to the hospital for further treatment.
Police said the stampede happened near Gate five, where a group of mourners had been told to queue to be able to view the body.
October 17–18 — Tightening security, reviews of procession plans
In the immediate aftermath of the stampede and earlier shooting, authorities tightened security and re-examined procession plans that had called for extended road movements.
Officials said they would scale back or cancel open processions to avoid further crowding. Military and police units were deployed to high-risk points; aerial surveillance and checkpoints became prominent features of the next phase.
October 18 — Transfer to western Kenya and Kisumu viewing
Organisers moved the programme west. His body was flown to Kisumu.
A large public viewing was arranged in Kisumu — Raila’s political base — where thousands again turned out.
Several supporters of Raila collapsed after viewing the body at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu. The visibly emotionally overwhelmed supporters fainted as they struggled to come to terms with the passing away of Raila.
The late Raila was regarded by many as a symbol of hope, resilience, and liberation.
October 18 (evening) — Plan altered: body flown to Bondo
Because of the security environment and the risk of further uncontrolled crowds on roads, officials altered plans for a road procession from Kisumu to Raila’s home area.
Instead, the casket was flown by military aircraft to Bondo and brought to the family’s Opoda farm for an overnight vigil. The airlift was framed as a practical safety measure to protect mourners and ensure the family could complete private rites.
The Bondo people also had a chance to view Raila's body.
October 18 — Stampede at Raila’s body viewing in Bondo
Three mourners were carried away for medical attention after a brief commotion during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body in Bondo on Saturday.
The incident occurred as thousands of residents thronged the viewing venue to pay their last respects to the opposition leader.
The crowds grew restless as people pushed forward to catch a glimpse of Raila’s body.
October 18 (night) — Night vigil at Opoda farm
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body arrived at his Opoda Farm residence for a night vigil ahead of burial on Sunday.
There was a heavy security presence at the homestead as the body was received by Mama Ida and family members.
October 19 (Sunday) — The Burial Day
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at his Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County — about 60 kilometres west of Kisumu.
According to the family, it was Raila’s wish to be buried within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours of his passing.
The burial will be a private ceremony, attended by close family members and a few guests, marking the final farewell to the veteran politician whose death has drawn days of national mourning.
