Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the government has officially received and approved a request from the family of the late Raila Amollo Odinga to conduct his burial within 72 hours, in accordance with the wishes expressed by the former Prime Minister before his death.
Speaking on Wednesday evening, Kindiki assured Kenyans that the government was working hand in hand with the Odinga family to ensure that the national icon is accorded a dignified and honorable farewell.
“We have received the request from the family to proceed with the burial within 72 hours. The government will work closely with the family to ensure a dignified farewell for the late Prime Minister,” Kindiki stated.
He further clarified that although the 72-hour window technically ends on Saturday, logistical challenges — including the repatriation of Raila’s body from India — have necessitated minor adjustments to the schedule.
According to the official funeral program, Raila’s body is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 8:30 a.m., where it will be received by President William Ruto, family members, and senior government officials.
From JKIA, the body will be transported to Lee Funeral Home, before being taken to Parliament Buildings for public viewing between 12 noon and 5 p.m. Members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their final respects to the man whose political vision shaped Kenya’s democracy for more than five decades.
After the public viewing, the body will return to Lee Funeral Home for overnight preservation.
On Friday, a State Funeral Service will be held at Nyayo Stadium starting at 8 a.m. The event will be attended by local and international dignitaries, senior government officials, political leaders, and ordinary citizens from all walks of life. Raila’s body will then be moved to his Karen residence, where it will rest overnight.
On Saturday, the funeral procession will depart for Kisumu, where a public viewing ceremony will take place at Moi Stadium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. before the cortege proceeds to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight vigil.
The final burial ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 19, at Opoda Farm in Kango Ka Jaramogi, the Odinga family’s ancestral home. Raila will be laid to rest beside his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son Fidel Odinga.
The burial will be conducted under Anglican Church traditions, reflecting Raila’s faith and his lifelong connection to his community and the church.
Deputy President Kindiki emphasized that all state protocols will be observed throughout the mourning period, with full honors befitting a national hero. He added that the National Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Kindiki and Dr. Oburu Oginga, has been working tirelessly to coordinate logistics for both national and regional ceremonies.
Raila Odinga’s death has left Kenya and Africa in mourning. Fondly remembered as “Baba,” he was a symbol of democracy, resilience, and justice — a man whose courage and leadership transformed the nation’s political history.
As Kenya prepares to lay him to rest, his passing marks not just the end of a political chapter, but the celebration of a life devoted to unity, peace, and the betterment of the nation.
