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World leaders converge: State funeral marks start of Raila Odinga’s final journey
The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's remains are protected by a Special Unit officer outside the Parliament Building, heading to Nyayo Stadium.
A full state funeral with military honours, church service, and tributes from world leaders will mark the beginning of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s final journey on Friday in Nairobi.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the National Funeral Committee alongside Dr Oburu Oginga, in his media briefing on Thursday, October 16, said they expect various Heads of State and Governments in attendance.
The DP said the government and the Odinga family had agreed on a coordinated plan that would allow Kenyans to pay their final respects in both Nairobi and Nyanza.
“We have agreed on a programme that will ensure the late Prime Minister is honoured with dignity and decorum befitting his stature as a statesman,” Prof Kindiki said.
A procession carrying Raila Odinga's remains, along the Uhuru Highway.
“This will be a full state funeral involving military honours, a church service by the Anglican Church of Kenya, and tributes from Kenyan and international leaders.”
The state funeral service will be held at Nyayo National Stadium beginning at 9 am, with mourners expected to be seated by 8 am, the DP said.
The service will feature military honours, a church sermon led by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), a eulogy, and speeches from Kenya’s leadership and foreign Heads of State and Government.
The late leader’s body will be moved to the stadium under full ceremonial escort in what is expected to be one of the most solemn state occasions for a former government official in Kenya’s history.
After the official service, the DP said, the public will have an opportunity to view the body from 12 noon before it is transported to Mr Odinga’s Karen residence later in the evening.
“The Nyayo service will be the central state event,” Prof Kindiki said. “It will bring together the nation, the clergy, and world leaders to celebrate the life and legacy of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga.”
President William Ruto signed a condolence book in honour of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga at the State House in Nairobi. Members of the Executive will also sign the condolence book. This is one of many events organised to celebrate and reflect on the life of Hon. Odinga.
At the Karen home, a night vigil will be held for family members, close associates, and friends, marking the beginning of the final farewell rites.
On Saturday, October 18, the funeral procession will depart Nairobi for Kisumu County, where a public viewing will be held at Moi Stadium, Kisumu City, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The event is expected to draw thousands of mourners from across the Luo Nyanza region and beyond, including long-time political allies, supporters, and church leaders.
After the Kisumu ceremony, the committee said, the convoy will proceed by road to Bondo, Siaya County, where the body will lie overnight at the Odinga homestead ahead of Sunday’s burial.
“The Kisumu viewing gives the people of the lakeside and Raila’s lifelong supporters an opportunity to bid him farewell in person,” Prof Kindiki noted.
"The final funeral service and burial rites will take place on Sunday, October 19, beginning at 9:00 am in Bondo. The service will be conducted according to the ACK traditions, reflecting Raila’s lifelong faith and family heritage."
Prof Kindiki said: “The funeral will be solemn, anchored in the faith and traditions that guided the late Prime Minister’s life."
Dignitaries from across Africa and beyond are expected to attend the burial ceremony, alongside Kenya’s top political and religious leaders.
Mourners escort the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga along Mombasa Road on October 16, 2025.
Security teams have been instructed to coordinate closely with ODM leadership to ensure order and safety throughout the proceedings.
The National Funeral Committee, which includes members from the Cabinet, family, Parliament, and ODM Party, has pledged to facilitate national participation through public viewing spaces and live broadcasts across the country.
“This is not only a family mourning but a national moment of unity,” Prof Kindiki told the press. “We urge Kenyans to mourn peacefully and uphold the dignity of our late leader.”
Mr Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, will be remembered as a freedom fighter, reformist, and symbol of resilience whose vision and courage shaped Kenya’s democratic journey for over four decades.
As preparations intensify, the nation readies itself to bid farewell to a man who, for many, was more than a politician but the "heartbeat of Kenya’s struggle for justice and democracy."
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