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The government has announced that Friday, October 17, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away in India earlier this week.
In a special gazette notice (No. 15007) issued on Thursday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the declaration under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110).
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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 Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the notice read.
A state funeral service for the late leader will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.
The declaration comes as Kenyans continue to mourn Odinga, a veteran opposition leader and democracy icon whose passing has evoked tributes from within and beyond Kenya’s borders.
National and county flags have been flying at half-mast since Wednesday, while condolence books have been opened in government offices, embassies, and ODM party branches across the country.
Preparations to receive his body from India are ongoing, with the national funeral committee — working closely with the Odinga family — finalizing the burial arrangements.
The holiday will allow Kenyans from all walks of life to pay their respects and reflect on Odinga’s legacy as a reformist, freedom fighter, and key figure in Kenya’s democratic journey.
Raila Odinga, 80, served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government formed after the 2007 election crisis. He was also a five-time presidential candidate and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Interior CS Murkomen assured that the government is working hand in hand with the Odinga family to ensure a dignified farewell befitting his stature as a national statesman.
The public holiday will be observed nationwide, with flags continuing to fly at half-mast until the day of burial.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the national burial committee, noted that while Odinga had wished to be buried within 72 hours, logistical challenges arising from his death abroad have adjusted the schedule slightly.
Revised Programme of Events
- Thursday, Oct 16 (1 a.m.): Delegation arrives in Mumbai
- Thursday, Oct 16 (2 a.m.): Departure from Mumbai
- Thursday, Oct 16 (8:30 a.m.): Arrival at JKIA
- Thursday, Oct 16 (10 a.m.): Transfer to Lee Funeral Home
- Thursday, Oct 16 (12 p.m.–5 p.m.): Public viewing at Parliament Buildings
- Friday, Oct 17: State Funeral Service at Nyayo Stadium (from 8 a.m.), followed by a procession to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight vigil
- Saturday, Oct 18: Departure to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), followed by a procession to Bondo, Siaya County
- Sunday, Oct 19: Final burial ceremony at the family home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Nyamira, Bondo.
