Parliament opens doors for Kenyans to view Raila Odinga’s body on Thursday
While Odinga had stated in his will that he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death, Kindiki explained that slight adjustments had been made to allow more Kenyans to participate in the national mourning.
Kenyans have been invited to pay their final respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Parliament buildings in Nairobi.
In a briefing on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Odinga’s body is expected to arrive in Kenya on Thursday morning at 8:30 am. Upon arrival, it will be received by President William Ruto before being taken to Lee Funeral Home in preparation for public viewing.
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The former Prime Minister died on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest while on a morning walk in India.
President Ruto earlier announced that the Indian government would facilitate the repatriation of Odinga’s body. To oversee the process, Ruto said a delegation of government officials and family members had travelled to India.
Return with Odinga’s body
According to Kindiki, the delegation, which left Kenya on Wednesday evening, will arrive in Mumbai at 1:00 am, have a two-hour layover, and then return with Odinga’s body.
“Upon arrival, the body will be received at the airport by the President, members of the family and other officials. It will then be escorted to Lee Funeral Home, and at 12 o'clock, the body will be moved to the Parliamentary buildings in the CBD. In Parliament, there will be a public viewing of the body of the departed Prime Minister from 12 noon to 5:00 pm,” said Kindiki.
He added that a state funeral will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium, to be attended by leaders, dignitaries, and VVIPs from Kenya and abroad.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the body will be flown to Kisumu, where members of the public will have an opportunity to view it at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds.
The final tribute and burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, during a ceremony officiated by the Anglican Church of Kenya.
While Odinga had stated in his will that he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death, Kindiki explained that slight adjustments had been made to allow more Kenyans to participate in the national mourning.
“At the same time, this committee has decided to help members of the public, supporters, and friends of the late Prime Minister who may not make it to some of the events that will be happening tomorrow and the days to come, with public places from which they can watch all the proceedings, from tomorrow’s arrival to the other events that will follow until the final rites,” Kindiki said.
Final moments
During the briefing, Odinga’s brother, Oburu Odinga, reflected on the late leader’s final moments.
He said Odinga had been vibrant and in good health until the night before his sudden passing, which doctors suspect resulted from a heart attack.
“We are mourning and also celebrating the life of a great leader. As I had told you before, I informed you that he was well and kicking about, and he would soon be back in the country. That was not a lie; it was the truth. He was very well until last night when I spoke to him. He was vibrant, up and kicking. It is only unfortunate this morning that he suffered shock, which is suspected after the post-mortem to be a heart attack,” Oburu said.
He urged Kenyans to maintain dignity and peace throughout the mourning period while celebrating Raila’s legacy and lifelong contribution to the nation.
“We are also celebrating the life of our great leader. I don’t have the strength to speak much now. What the DP has said is what we have discussed and agreed on, and I am only praying that our people at this moment behave in a dignified manner. Let us give my brother the dignified burial and send-off that he deserved. I hope there will be peace during this time and reflection on his life,” he said.
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