A team set up for the State Funeral of the late Raila Odinga, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has 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 President William 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.
President William Ruto was scheduled to receive the body alongside the family.
This was the plan
Wednesday
6:30 pm – A Kenyan delegation is dispatched to India to facilitate the A repatriation of Raila’s body to Nairobi.
Thursday
1:00 am – The plane touches down in Mumbai, India.
3:00 am – The Kenyan delegation leaves India for Nairobi.
8:30 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).
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