Honouring a legend: Raila Odinga’s farewell viewing extended to accommodate thousands of mourners
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the extended viewing will ensure every Kenyan has a chance to honour the late former Prime Minister after Friday’s State funeral.
The State Funeral Committee has announced an extension of the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, which will take place after the State funeral scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium.
Speaking on Thursday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the committee, said the viewing would begin around noon and continue as long as necessary to give as many mourners as possible a chance to pay their last respects.
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“There will be a public viewing of the remains of the Late Raila Odinga after the state event scheduled for tomorrow at Nyayo Stadium, from around 12 noon to as far as possible to give the highest number of mourners an opportunity to pay their last respects to their departed leader,” he said.
The committee confirmed that the State funeral will commence at 9:00 am, with guests expected to be seated by 8:00 am. Kindiki said the two-hour ceremony will feature military honours, an Anglican Church of Kenya service, family tributes, messages of condolence, and speeches from Kenyan leaders and visiting heads of state.
Kenyans pay their respects as they view the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium on October 16, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Foreign delegations
He noted that numerous foreign delegations have confirmed attendance, alongside formal condolences from leaders across Africa and beyond.
The Deputy President emphasised that the extended viewing was intended to ensure every mourner had the opportunity to honour the late Prime Minister.
According to the committee, Odinga had expressed to his family a wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
His body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 9:30 am on Thursday, where thousands of mourners had gathered.
President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta led family members and dignitaries in receiving the remains in a solemn state reception. The convoy then travelled nearly 40 kilometres to Kasarani Stadium, arriving shortly after 2:30 pm.
Kindiki said military honours, prayers, and a public viewing took place at Kasarani in the presence of President Ruto, former President Kenyatta, family members, senior military officers, and thousands of mourners.
Call for calm
The committee thanked the public for maintaining decorum and urged continued calm during the mourning period.
According to the funeral schedule, Raila’s body will be taken to his Karen home for an overnight stay after the State funeral.
On Saturday, October 18, the body will be on public display at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, allowing thousands more mourners to pay their final respects.
Afterwards, the body will be transported by road to Bondo for an overnight stay.
He will then be buried on Sunday in accordance with the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya.
The government has declared Friday a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mourn the late Prime Minister.
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