President William Ruto has announced the formation of a national funeral committee to oversee the burial arrangements of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, marked the beginning of an elaborate state farewell for one of Kenya’s most influential leaders.
In his statement, President Ruto said the committee will be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother.
The team will coordinate all plans, including the return of Raila’s body from India and subsequent funeral arrangements.
“The committee is to be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements,” said the President.
Ruto also announced that the Government of India had agreed to assist in bringing home Raila’s remains.
“At the same time, the government of India, at the request of the government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of the former Prime Minister,” he said.
To ensure the process is carried out with dignity, a delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is leaving for India to facilitate the repatriation.
“A delegation comprising government officials and family members led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation of the remains of our brother Raila Odinga,” President Ruto stated. The delegation will include Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, National Assembly leaders Kimani Ichung’wah and Junet Mohamed, and members of the Odinga family led by Mama Ida Odinga.
Raila Odinga’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with citizens and leaders expressing sorrow over the loss of a man widely regarded as a key figure in Kenya’s democratic journey.
Messages of condolence continue to flow from both local and international leaders honouring his contribution to the country’s political history.
