The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, arrived in Kenya on Thursday, October 16, 2025, accompanied by a Kenya delegation that was sent by President William Ruto to pick up his remains.
After leaving JKIA, a procession carrying the ODM leader’s body headed to Kasarani Stadium, where members of the public and various leaders, including President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, viewed Raila Odinga’s body.
Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki on Thursday evening announced that the State funeral service for Raila Odinga will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium from 9 AM.
The event will comprise military honors, a church service, speeches, and a public viewing of his body, which will start at 12 pm after the event concludes.
Here’s a timeline of the events on Raila Odinga’s state funeral day:
1:00 P.M.: Mourners allowed to view the body of the former Prime Minister.
12:38 P.M: Ruto stands to address mourners at Nyayo Stadium.
12:21 P.M: Uhuru pays tribute to Raila Odinga.
11: 55 A.M.: Mama Ida Odinga Pays tribute to her late husband.
11: 47 A.M.: Oburu pays tribute to his brother.
11: 37 A.M.: Winnie pays tribute to Raila.
11: 31 A.M.: Raila Junior pays tribute to His father.
11: 27 A.M. : Rosemary Odinga pays tribute to her father.
11: 10 A.M.: Jaoko Oburu pays tribute to Raila Odinga.
11:06 A.M.: ACK Bishop of Bondo Professor David Kodia prays for Mama Ida Odinga’s family.
10: 48 A.m.: All Saints cathedral Provost Leads mourners in singing a hymn.
10: 25 A.M.: Choir leads mourners in singing you raise me up hymn.
10:17 A.M.: Clergy led by the Anglican Church lead mourners in prayers.
10:16: A.M.: Various Heads of state view Raila Odinga’s body.
10:02 A.M.: The National Anthem is sung in honor of the late Prime Minister.
09:46 A.M.: Raila’s body arrives at Nyayo Stadium.
09:42 A.M.: Former Prime Minister’s State Funeral officially kicks off.
09:34 A.M.: President William Ruto arrives at Nyayo Stadium.
09:34 A.M.: Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete arrives at Nyayo Stadium.
09:33 A.m.: Raila Odinga’s family arrives at Nyayo Stadium.
09:30 A.M. Chief Justice Martha Koome arrives.
09:29 A.M.: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki arrives.
09:27 A.M.: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at Nyayo Stadium.
09:24 A.M.: The gun carriage carrying Raila’s body has left Parliament and is heading to Nyayo Stadium.
08: 57 A.M.: Opposition leaders arrive at Nyayo Stadium for Raila’s Funeral Service. Leaders present include former Interior CS Fred Matiangi, PLP party leader Martha Karua, and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi.
08:40 A.M.: Julius Nyerere among dignitaries present at Nyayo Stadium for Raila’s Funeral Service.
08:29 A.M: Choir sings Raila’s favorite song, “Jamaican Farewell.”
O8: 26 A.M: Ruto views the body of Raila Odinga alongside the family in Parliament.
08:15 A.M: President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto arrive at Parliament, where Raila’s body is lying.
07:55 A.M: Several dignitaries arrive at Nyayo Stadium to join the public in mourning Raila Odinga.
07:47 A.M: Police divert traffic from Parliament along Bunyala Roundabout.
07: 45 A.M: Raila Odinga Junior arrives in Parliament.
07:40 A.M: Barricades have been placed around Parliament, and there is a heavy security presence following the chaos witnessed there on Thursday.
07:30 A.M: Both Speakers of Parliament, MPs and Senators lineup as they await for President Ruto to arrive to view the former Prime Minister’s body.
Among leaders present include National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheuriyot and Hoambay Governor Gladys Wanga.
07:00 A.M: Mourners start flocking Nyayo Stadium as they await to pay their last respects to Raila Odinga.
06: 50 A.M: Raila Odinga’s body arrives at Parliament escorted by military and police officers.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
Raila’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics. His contributions, from the struggle for multi-party democracy to his role in the coalition government, will be remembered for generations. His funeral arrangements reflect the immense respect and legacy he leaves behind.