Nyong’o issues update on Kisumu preparations ahead of Raila Odinga’s burial

Viola Kosome 16th October, 2025 07:31 PM

Preparations are in top gear in Kisumu ahead of the grand farewell ceremony for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who led a joint planning meeting with Nyanza Regional Commissioner Florence Mworoa and senior county officials on Thursday, October 16, 2025, assured residents that all necessary arrangements are being finalised to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Also Watch: Siaya county assembly holds special sitting to mourn Raila Odinga

“We are here together with the Regional Commissioner, her staff, and our county government team to make arrangements for Saturday’s events to bid farewell to our leader, Raila Odinga,” Nyong’o said.

He noted that the team’s main priority is to ensure that the venue and its surroundings are well-prepared to accommodate the thousands of mourners expected to attend the ceremony from across the country and beyond.

Governor Nyong’o appealed to residents of the lake region to uphold peace and decorum during the event, saying it would be the greatest honour to the late Odinga, his family, and the nation at large.

Also Watch: Ruto announces directives following Raila Odinga’s death

“I want to urge our people to conduct themselves peacefully. We must not bring shame to the late Raila, his family, the Kenyan nation, or the international community. Let us show the world that we can celebrate and mourn our leader in a dignified and civilized manner,” he said.

The Governor added that both national and county security agencies have put measures in place to maintain order throughout the day. He said preparations on the ground are complete, and the public will be kept informed through timely updates.

“We shall continue to update members of the public so that by Saturday, everyone will know where to go and what to expect. We only ask that people come early, remain peaceful, and take the opportunity to pay their last respects to our beloved leader,” Nyong’o stated.

He further disclosed that sensitization efforts were ongoing within the community to encourage residents to take responsibility for maintaining peace and order during the event.

On her part, Regional Commissioner Florence Mworoa said the inter-agency team is working round the clock to ensure that everything is in place to receive the body of the late Odinga and facilitate a seamless ceremony.

“I want to take this opportunity to request residents of Kisumu and Nyanza in general, who will be here on Saturday to receive the body of our fallen hero, to be very peaceful,” Mworoa said.

She expressed concern over reports of unrest witnessed in Nairobi during similar events, urging residents to avoid any acts that could taint the solemn occasion.

“Seeing what happened in Nairobi today, we are a bit worried about possible lawlessness. But I believe our people will maintain peace so that we can send off our hero in dignity and peace,” she added.

The late Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister and a long-time opposition leader, is expected to be laid to rest in his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, after a series of memorial events across the country.