Friday Declared Public Holiday to Honour Raila

The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the country prepares to lay him to rest this weekend.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the declaration in a gazette notice issued on Thursday, October 16.

“In exercise of powers conferred in Section 3 of the Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, October 17, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the former Prime Minister Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga,” read the notice.

Raila, who died on Wednesday, October 15, in India, will be buried on Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the national funeral committee, outlined the official programme for the late leader’s final journey. He said Raila’s family had requested that his burial be conducted within 72 hours of his passing, in line with his personal wishes.

“The family informed President Ruto that according to Raila Odinga’s will, he insisted that he must be buried within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours,” Kindiki said.

The body will land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 8:30 a.m., where it will be received with full state honours.

From the airport, the casket will be taken to Lee Funeral Home before a procession to the State House at midday, and later to Parliament Buildings at 2:00 p.m., where members of the public will have the opportunity to view the body.

A national prayer service will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, after which the procession will head to Kisumu and Bondo. Public viewing will continue on Saturday, October 18, at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, ahead of the burial ceremony on Sunday.