The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honor of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, the veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister who passed away on October 15, 2025.
In a gazette notice issued on October 16, the Ministry of Interior said the day will be set aside for national reflection and remembrance of Odinga’s legacy and immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
The declaration, made under the Public Holidays Act, aims to allow the nation to reflect on Odinga’s legacy. The holiday will be observed nationwide.
“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 17th October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.”
Also Read: Inside the Indian Hospital Where Raila Odinga Spent His Final Hours
Odinga collapsed during a morning walk and was taken to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam where he was pronounced dead.
Raila’s Body Expected at JKIA
President Ruto had dispatched a team to India led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi among other Cabinet Secretaries and family members.
The delegation which left Kenya on Wednesday evening, and they are now heading back with Raila’s body.
“Tentatively the body will be in Nairobi between 8.30am tomorrow,” Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said during a press conference on October 15.
Kindiki said that Raila’s body will be received by President Ruto and later head to Lee Funeral Home in preparation for public viewing by Kenyans.
Earlier on, President Ruto also had announced a seven-day national mourning period during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast in the country and all of Kenya’s embassies abroad.
Send off Program
The late Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral, with a series of events spanning three days.
Also Read: Indian Cardiologist Reveals Raila Odinga’s Last Moments as Medics Tried to Save Him
The national funeral service is set for Friday at Nyayo Stadium, where local and international dignitaries, including heads of state and other high-ranking officials, are expected to attend.
After the ceremony, the body will be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight vigil.
On Saturday, the cortege will depart Nairobi for Kisumu, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects at Moi Stadium.
From there, the procession will proceed by road to Bondo, Siaya County, for another overnight stay.
The burial service, to be conducted under the rites of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), will take place on Sunday, October 19.
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