Kenya Unveils Full Timetable for Raila Odinga’s State Funeral

Nairobi — October 16, 2025

Kenya’s National Funeral Committee has released the detailed programme for the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, outlining a three-day national farewell that will span from Nairobi to Kisumu and finally Bondo, his ancestral home.

The main service will be held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, beginning at 7 a.m. and concluding by 2 p.m. The event is expected to draw heads of state, diplomats, and dignitaries from across Africa and beyond.

Raila, 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment. His death marked the end of a political career that shaped Kenya’s democratic story for more than four decades.

Friday, October 17 — State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium

The morning will begin with mourners taking their seats at 7 a.m., followed by the military-led procession escorting Raila’s body from Lee Funeral Home at 8 a.m.

By 8:15 a.m., members of the Odinga family are expected to arrive, followed shortly by foreign dignitaries at 8:30 a.m. President William Ruto will make his entrance at 8:45 a.m., leading to the singing of the Kenyan and East African Community anthems at 9 a.m.

An Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) service will follow, running from 9:35 a.m. to 11:35 a.m., in keeping with Raila’s faith.

From 11:40 a.m., Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will invite the President to address the nation. The President will then welcome tributes from visiting heads of state and dignitaries before giving his formal address.

By 2 p.m., the body will depart for the Odinga family residence in Karen, where an overnight vigil will be held.

Saturday, October 18 — Journey to Kisumu and Bondo

On Saturday morning, Raila’s body will leave Karen at 7 a.m. for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, before being flown to Kisumu at 8 a.m.

The family and accompanying dignitaries are expected to arrive at Mamboleo Showgrounds (Jomo Kenyatta Stadium) between 9:00 and 9:20 a.m. The venue was shifted from Moi Stadium to accommodate larger crowds.

Public viewing will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., allowing Kisumu residents to pay their final respects to their most famous son.

At 2:30 p.m., the cortege will depart for Bondo, Siaya County, with the body expected to arrive by 4:30 p.m. The day will close with prayers led by clergy from the Anglican Church of Kenya.

Sunday, October 19 — Final Resting Place

Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at the Odinga family’s ancestral home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, beside the graves of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son Fidel Odinga.

Deputy President Kindiki, who co-chairs the funeral committee, explained that while Raila had wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death, logistical delays made that impossible.

“Repatriating his body from India required time and coordination,” Kindiki said. “We’ve done everything to honour his wishes as faithfully as possible.”

The three-day national observance marks the culmination of one of Kenya’s most emotional farewells — a moment both solemn and historic for a nation bidding goodbye to a man whose life was defined by struggle, hope, and resilience.