Military takes charge of operations ahead of arrival of Raila Odinga body

Military personnel took over operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Parliament Building ahead of the arrival of the body of late Raila Odinga.

The body will be taken for public viewing on Thursday afternoon.

This is after president William Ruto announced Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral.

Security was tight at the airport and parts of the city ahead of the arrival of the body.

A National Security Council meeting chaired by President Ruto ordered enhanced security across the country.

This forced the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to order more personnel to be deployed to major urban areas in the next three days before the burial of Odinga.

Goons disguised as mourners attacked and robbed motorists and pedestrians in parts of the city on Wednesday after the announcement of the death of Odinga.

There were fears of more chaos on Thursday and the days to follow before his burial. Kanja urged for sobriety even as the country mourns the late Odinga.

At the airport, police barred people they deemed unnecessary from accessing the security installation.

The body was scheduled to arrive at the airport at about 9.30 am and president Ruto was to receive is alongside other diginitaries.

Police mounted operations across the city ahead of the arrival of the body.

Most shops remained closed in fear of chaos. This followed Wednesday’s chaos in the city. Most public service vehicles also kept off roads.

Friday October 17, 2025 was declared a public holiday in honor of Odinga.

A team set up to organise the State Funeral of Odinga, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that the former Prime Minister will be buried on Sunday, October 19, in line with his family’s wishes.

Speaking during a press briefing in Karen after the news of his demise on Wednesday, Kindiki who is the chair of the National Funeral Committee said Raila had indicated to the family that he wished to be buried within 72 hours ofhis death.

The DP confirmed that, in line with Ruto’s proclamation, Raila would be accorded a State Funeral with all the honours of a statesman.

“It’s expected that we will move quickly in the next few days for the reason communicated by the family following consultations by the family and the lawyer. We have been advised by the family that it was Raila’s wish to be buried within the shortest time possible and the family has communicated that it’s 72 hours,” Kindiki remarked.

Kindiki outlined the process from repatriating Raila’s body to the burial slated for Sunday at his Bondo home was ongoing.

The Kenya Airways flight that carried his body from Mumbai in India was expected to land in Nairobi on Thursday October 16, 2025 at about 9 am.

Security was tight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ahead of the arrival of the body..

9:30 am – The plane carrying Raila’s body touches down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The body is received by the President and members of the family, then escorted to the Lee Funeral Home.

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – The body is moved to the Parliamentary buildings in the Nairobi CBD for public viewing. There will also be public grieving places where Kenyans can watch the proceedings across the country.

5:00 pm – Raila’s body returns to Lee Funeral Home.

Friday

8:00 am – A State funeral service is held at the Nyayo Stadium, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya. After the event, the body is moved to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight stay.

Saturday

9:00 am – 3:00 pm – The body leaves Nairobi for Kisumu for public viewing at the Moi Stadium. Afterwards, the body travels by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay.

Sunday

Burial to be conducted according to the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).