Nairobi’s Central Business District was filled with mourners on Thursday, October 16, 2025, as thousands of Kenyans came to pay their last respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
People began arriving in the CBD as early as 4 am, braving the cold morning air to join the long queues leading to Parliament Buildings, where Odinga’s body was to lie in state for public viewing.
Many wore orange, the colour associated with Odinga’s political movement, and carried flags, twigs and portraits of the late leader.
Security was heightened around Parliament and major entry routes into the city. Officers from the National Police Service and other security agencies managed the crowds and ensured safety as mourners filed past the casket.
By 9 am, the lines had already stretched to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), with people patiently waiting to honour “Baba.”
Public holiday
The government declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former Prime Minister. The public holiday is expected to give Kenyans across the country time to mourn and honour one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
In a gazette notice released on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the decision.
“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 buried on Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki shared details of Raila’s final journey during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday. He said the burial plans follow 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.
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 funeral procession will move to Kisumu and Bondo.
Public viewing will take place at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, before the journey continues to his rural home in Bondo for the burial on Sunday.
