Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away in India on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The ODM leader died at age 80 after suffering cardiac arrest aduring a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic hospital in Koothattukulam, Kerala, and was pronounced dead at nearby Devamatha Hospital around 7:22 a.m.
President William Ruto addressed the nation, declaring seven days of national mourning starting October 15 and a state funeral. Ruto described Odinga as “the father of our democracy” and a “once-in-a-generation leader” whose ideals transcended politics.
There will be a public viewing of Odinga at Parliament Buildings from 12 pm to 5 pm. A State Funeral will be conducted at Nyayo Stadium on Friday. Raila Odinga will be laid to rest in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
The Ministry of Interior has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mourn the former Prime Minister.
03: 15 p.m.: Police lob teargas canisters at Kasarani Stadium to disperse a section of the crowd that was destroying stadium equipment.
In videos seen by The Kenya Times, a section of Kenyans was seen destroying chairs, forcing the police to intervene.
02;55 p.m.: The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has arrived at the Kasarani Stadium, escorted by military and police officers, with supporters also accompanying the procession.
02: 30 p.m.: Several people have been injured as crowds gathered along Parliament Road and at Cabanas during the procession of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Kasarani Stadium.
The Kenya Red Cross has dispatched emergency teams to attend to those who sustained injuries.
“We have continued to attend to injuries sustained as crowds gathered along Parliament Road and at Cabanas during the procession of the late former Prime Minister to Kasarani Stadium, in collaboration with E-Plus Ambulances.
01: 35 P.M: Flight operations have also resumed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after being suspended for two hours following the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from India at 9:30 a.m.
In a statement dated Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) advised passengers with flights.
11:35 A.M: KAA suspends flight operations at JKIA for 2 hours following the arrival of the remains of the late Raila Odinga.
11: 30 A.M: A crowd has begun gathering at Kasarani Stadium after the government announced changes to the venue for the body viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, moving it from Parliament Buildings.
11: 00 A.M: The government changes venue of viewing Raila’s body to Ksasarani citing the large turnout at Parliament, noting that the venue could not accommodate the many members of the public who wished to view the ODM leader’s body.
Members of the public are therefore advised to proceed to Kasarani Stadium for the viewing. Please note that heavy traffic is expected along Thika Road and adjoining routes leading to Kasarani,” said UDA.
Leaders who have arrived at Kasarani Stadium include Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Energy CS Davis Chirchir and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
10: 15 A.M: Hundreds of supporters are escorting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader’s body motorcade after it left JKIA, heading to Lee Funeral Home.
Supporters carried twigs and placards, with some riding on motorcycles while others hung onto the motorcade, which was being guarded by police and military officers.
10: 00 A.M: Thirty-six ambulances deployed to provide emergency medical support during the reception of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, noted that each ambulance is fully equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities, and staffed with a paramedic, nurse, and driver, ensuring effective on-site emergency response and safe patient evacuation when necessary.
Deployment iwas as follows:
- Kenya Red Cross – 20 ambulances
- St. John Ambulance – 4 ambulances
- Nairobi Disaster Service – 3 ambulances
- Nairobi Emergency Services – 8 ambulances
- Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) – 1 ambulance
9: 30 A.M: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body arrives at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from India. His casket was received by President William Ruto.
The late Prime Minister’s body was accompanied by a delegation appointed by President Ruto to retrieve it from India.
Odinga’s body was accompanied with family members Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister, and Winnie Odinga, his daughter, accompanying the remains.
Kenya Airways flight KQ203 transported the ODM leader’s body home.
Among those in the official delegation were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Mining CS Hassan Joho, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, ICT CS Henry Kabogo, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
08: 00 A.M: Security has been heightened at JKIA, with access roads to the airport temporarily blocked to facilitate the arrival and motorcade procession.
07: 30 A.M: Outside JKIA, hundreds of Raila Odinga’s supporters have gathered, waving twigs and placards bearing different messages as they await the arrival of the former Prime Minister. Security officers are grappling to contain the growing crowd, which continues to attract more people.
07: 00 A.m.: Several leaders and senior security officials are streaming into JKIA, waiting to receive the remains of the former Prime Minister.
Security helicopters are conducting aerial surveillance to monitor the situation around Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Police officers have also been deployed at the Lee Funeral Home, where Odinga’s body will be preserved. Security has been tightened there, with only authorized vehicles allowed to access the premises.
Leaders Present at the Lee Funeral Home include Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui and Tourism CS Rebecca Miano.
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