Raila Odinga to be buried on Sunday after repatriation of the body

Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki confirmed, following consultations between the government and the family.

“The body is expected to be received by the President at 8:30am on Thursday. From there it will be taken to Lee Funeral Home,” said Prof Kindiki, who is the chairperson of the burial committee.

Raila’s body will then be moved to the Parliament Buildins for public viewing between 12:00noon and 5pm, with designated areas for members of the public to pay their respects.

The burial plans are in line with the late leader’s reported wish to be interred within 72 hours of his passing.

A State funeral service will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday. The body will then be taken to his house in Karen for an overnight stay.

"On Saturday, the body will.be flown to Kisumu for public viewing between 9 and 3pm," said Prof Kindiki.

Burial will take place the following day at the Odinga family cemetery in Bondo.

A special committee, co-chaired by Prof Kindiki and Raila’s brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, is overseeing all arrangements.

President William Ruto, in a televised address, announced a seven-day national mourning period and confirmed that Raila will receive a state funeral with full military honours.

“A delegation comprising government officials and family members, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation,” President Ruto said.

The delegation includes Raila’s widow Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, and family members Jaoko Oburu Odinga and Kevin Opiyo Oginga. The Indian government is assisting with the repatriation process.

Later in the evening, Prof Kindiki announced that the delegation left and was expected to arrive in Mumbai at around 1am, Kenyan time.

"The delegation will rest for two hours and leave Mumbai at 3 am Kenyan time. They will arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by 8:30am," said Prof Kindiki.

Dr Ruto’s proclamation mandates that the national flag be flown at half-mast, and all government and diplomatic missions will observe mourning protocols until the burial.

Raila’s death comes just days before Mashujaa Day, adding symbolic significance. 

Often regarded as a second liberation hero, he championed democracy, inclusion, and activism over decades, making the timing of his passing deeply poignant.

With the timing of the repatriation, the 72-hour wish, and his national stature, the country is set to honour Raila Odinga with a swift yet dignified farewell on Sunday.