The right honorable and former Prime Minister will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in accordance to his wish of being buried 72 hours after his passing
The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honor of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen through a gazette notice notified the public that the decision was made under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, allowing Kenyans across the country to pay tribute to the departed leader.
“ 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, October 17, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honor of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the notice stated.
The holiday will allow Kenyans at large to mourn as they reflect on his full life, fight for human justice and democracy and good governance despite the rough political terrain.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the National Funeral Committee overseeing Odinga’s state funeral, confirmed the burial date during a State Address on Wednesday, October 15.
Raila’s body touched down at exactly 9:30 am. It was received by President William Ruto alongside members of Raila’s family. Winnie Odinga and Ruth Odinga among other dignitaries was aboard a KQA203 flight that repatriated Baba back home.
“We have been advised as a committee by the family that it was the wish of Raila to be buried as soon as possible, and the family has informed us that the timeline is 72 hours,” Kindiki said.
According to a Cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital in Kochi, India, Raila had underlying health conditions. The Cardiologist Dr Sister Alphons, Raila’s condition worsened after he collapsed during a morning walk near an Ayurvedic hospital close to Devamatha Hospital but could not be revived despite extensive CPR efforts.
“He was brought to our emergency medicine department with the history of a sudden collapse during his morning walk. His doctor and security team had already initiated CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before arrival.”
Sister Alphons added that a continued active CPR was performed on Odinga as well as emergency intubation to secure the airway, and transferred him to the ICU with full medical support.
She was however stated that there was no pulse or blood pressure, even upon palpation. He was declared dead.
