The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight stay as earlier planned.
In a statement released Friday evening, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale said the body will instead be returned to Lee Funeral Home for preservation in preparation for airlifting to Kisumu on the morning of Saturday, October 18, 2025.
“The National Funeral Committee wishes to announce to the public that due to unavoidable circumstances, the body of H.E. the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for overnight stay as earlier planned,” the statement read in part.
The state funeral for the opposition leader was held earlier today at Nyayo National Stadium, led by President William Ruto.
Before the service, Raila’s body had lain in state at Parliament Buildings, where President Ruto led other leaders and members of the public in paying their last respects.
Leaders from both government and opposition joined thousands of Kenyans to honour the late statesman.
Public viewing of Raila’s body continued at Nyayo Stadium after the funeral service.
The previous day, the viewing had been disrupted by chaos at Kasarani, where police opened fire and used tear gas to control crowds, resulting in the deaths of at least two mourners.
The incident forced the change of the Kisumu public viewing venue from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
Raila’s body will arrive in Kisumu tomorrow for public viewing before being transported to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday.
According to the National Funeral Committee chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, a detailed update on the final burial arrangements will be issued this evening.
The burial plans have been fast-tracked to fulfil Raila’s personal wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death.
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