Friday declared public holiday to honour Raila Odinga

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at a past event. (Photo: PCS)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Thursday, October 16, 2025

The Former Prime Minister is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, following his wish to be buried 72 hours after his passing

The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

In a special gazette notice issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen said the decision was made under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, allowing Kenyans across the country to pay tribute to the departed leader.

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“It is notified for the general information of the public that, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public 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 departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the notice stated.

The declaration comes as the nation continues to mourn Raila following his death in India earlier this week.

The public holiday is expected to give citizens a moment to reflect on his long political journey and his contribution to Kenya’s democracy and governance.

The Former Prime Minister is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, following his wish to be buried 72 hours after his passing.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the National Funeral Committee overseeing Odinga’s state funeral, confirmed the burial date during a State Address on Wednesday, October 15.

Raila’s body is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:49 a.m. It will be received by President William Ruto alongside members of Raila’s family.

“We have been advised as a committee by the family that it was the wish of Raila to be buried as soon as possible, and the family has informed us that the timeline is 72 hours,” Kindiki said.

A Cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital in Kochi, India, revealed that Raila had underlying health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and a right lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for which an IVC filter had been placed.

According to Cardiologist Dr Sister Alphons, Raila’s condition worsened after he collapsed during a morning walk and could not be revived despite extensive CPR efforts.

Dr Sr Alphons said Raila was brought to the facility’s emergency unit at around 8:20 am (Indian Time) after collapsing during his routine morning walk near an Ayurvedic hospital close to Devamatha Hospital.

“He was brought to our emergency medicine department with the history of a sudden collapse during his morning walk. His doctor and security team had already initiated CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before arrival,” she said.

“Upon arrival, we continued active CPR, performed emergency intubation to secure the airway, and transferred him to the ICU with full medical support.”

She noted that initially, there was no pulse or blood pressure, even upon palpation.