Govt declares Friday public holiday to honour Raila Odinga
By Ascah Mwango, October 16, 2025The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a gazette notice issued on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the decision.
Also watch: Atwoli calls for unity after Raila’s death.
“In exercise of powers conferred in Section 3 of the Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, October 17, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the former Prime Minister Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga,” the notice read.
Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, in India, will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the official programme for Raila’s final journey during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday. He revealed that the burial arrangements were made in line with the wishes of the late leader and his family.
“The family informed President Ruto that according to Raila Odinga’s will, he insisted that he must be buried within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours,” Kindiki said, adding that his wishes must be respected.
Also watch: Kisumu Residents and Leaders Mourn the Death of Raila Odinga.
According to the schedule, a Kenyan delegation was expected to arrive in Mumbai, India, at 1:00 a.m. on Thursday before departing at 2:00 a.m. with the remains of the former Prime Minister. The body will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 8:30 a.m., where it will be received with full state honours.
From JKIA, the casket will be taken to Lee Funeral Home, followed by a solemn procession to the State House at midday. Later, the body will be moved to Parliament Buildings at 2:00 p.m., where members of the public will be allowed to pay their last respects.
On Friday, October 17, a national prayer service will be held at Nyayo Stadium to celebrate Raila’s life and legacy. After the service, the procession will proceed to Kisumu and Bondo.
Public viewing will take place at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, before the final journey continues to his rural home in Bondo for Sunday’s burial.
The declaration of the public holiday is expected to allow Kenyans across the country to mourn and honour the memory of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.