Kamba Festival organisers rubbish rumours of event cancellation after Raila’s death
The organisers of the much-anticipated Kamba Festival have broken their silence following growing speculation that the event scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, had been postponed in light of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking in a TikTok video on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the committee dismissed the claims, confirming that the festival will proceed as planned but with a special vigil to honour Raila’s legacy.
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The festival’s lead planners, Rick Be and YouTuber Nicholas Kioko, said they had resolved to dedicate part of the programme to celebrate Raila’s life and legacy as a freedom fighter and a champion of Kenya’s democracy.
“Yes, we are working hard, and we want to give everyone updates,” said Rick Be.
“For now, we are arranging the seating and planning for Saturday’s event. Yesterday, we lost a legend, the son of the country, Mzee Raila Odinga, who fought for Kenya’s freedom and multiparty democracy. For that reason, this coming Saturday, we will have a special time to celebrate him because he is one of us. We are part of him, and we shall celebrate Mzee together,” he added.
The committee further revealed that a section of the festival’s programme will be dedicated to a brief vigil and musical tribute, allowing artistes and festival-goers to join in solidarity with the rest of the nation as Kenya continues to mourn the statesman.
“We will also be updating everyone during the event about everything happening nationally, even from the airport and other places,” added Kioko. “It is something that caught us by surprise because we already had our festival scheduled, but we will do our best to unite with all Kenyans. At the Kamba Festival, we will have an important moment where everything will stand still as we honour him. You all know Mzee has been with us and has supported us for a long time. Everything will stop briefly so that we can give him the respect he deserves,” he said.
The Kamba Festival, which brings together thousands of fans, cultural troupes, and artistes from across the Eastern region, is expected to feature performances, exhibitions, and cultural showcases. However, organisers have assured that the day’s tone will blend both celebration and reflection as the nation pays its final respects to one of its most influential political figures.
The announcement comes as the National Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, confirmed that Raila Odinga will be accorded a full state funeral with all the honours of a statesman.
According to Kindiki, Raila’s burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, in line with his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death.
Watch: Funeral Programme for the late Raila Amollo Odinga
“We will move quickly in the next few days as advised by the family. It was Raila’s wish to be buried within the shortest time possible,” Kindiki said during a briefing in Karen.
Raila’s body was then viewed at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday, October 16, 2025, before a State Funeral service at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, expected to be attended by dignitaries and foreign leaders.
On Saturday, the cortege will travel to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium before proceeding to Bondo for an overnight stay ahead of the Sunday burial service.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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