An advocate has written to the National Funeral Committee for the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, urging that his burial be conducted at the Kenyatta Mausoleum in Nairobi instead of Siaya County.
In a letter addressed to the committee’s chairman and copied to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Kennedy Oduor Wanyanga Advocates said their clients had joined millions of Kenyans and people abroad in mourning the late statesman.
The letter referenced President William Ruto’s proclamation dated October 15, 2025, which appointed a funeral committee to organize a befitting State Funeral for the late Odinga.
“However, our clients instruct that we beseech you, in consultation with the family of the late, to consider burying Hon. Raila in Nairobi either beside the founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta or at Uhuru Park’s Freedom Corner,” the letter reads.
The advocates further argued that under Section 15 of the Retirement Benefits (State Officers) Act, as read together with Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, the State has the authority to accord special funeral honors to national leaders.
They said Raila, like the late President Jomo Kenyatta, was a “symbol of national unity commanding respect locally and internationally,” and therefore his interment in Nairobi would allow Kenyans to continue paying homage to him.
In conclusion, the letter emphasized: “Baba Raila Amolo Odinga azikwe kando ya Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.”
The firm urged the committee to consider the proposal urgently and revert with feedback to advise their clients accordingly.
Meanwhile, the public viewing of Raila’s body has been moved from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, following an overwhelming turnout of mourners in Nairobi.
Officials said the change was necessary after massive crowds gathered along the route from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and outside Parliament, prompting security concerns.
ODM’s Director of Communications Philip Etale confirmed the new arrangement, saying Kasarani would provide adequate space for mourners.
“Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of H.E. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Members of the public are advised to proceed there, where they shall have enough space and time to view the body,” said Etale.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and National Assembly Budget Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi addressed the crowd, asking mourners to remain calm.
“Baba is too big for Parliament. We have decided to take him to Kasarani,” said Atandi.
Raila’s remains arrived at JKIA on Thursday morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Mumbai, India. President William Ruto led senior government officials in receiving the body before it was transferred to Lee Funeral Home.
According to the official burial programme, the late Raila Odinga’s final journey will take four days—from Thursday, October 16, to Sunday, October 19, 2025.
A State Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo National Stadium starting at 8:00 a.m., followed by a vigil at his Karen home. On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium before proceeding to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
The final funeral service and burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, at his Bondo home, in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
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