Govt Declares Friday a Public Holiday to Mourn Raila Odinga
Kenya has officially declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away in Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, aged 80. The announcement has united the country in mourning a man many consider a national icon, a freedom fighter, and a symbol of resilience.
A Nation Pauses to Honour Its Fallen Leader
The declaration was made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, through a gazette notice released early Thursday morning. The notice read:
“In exercise of powers conferred in Section 3 of the 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 former Prime Minister Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga.”
The decision followed President William Ruto’s earlier directive announcing seven days of national mourning, during which the Kenyan flag will fly at half-mast in all public institutions.
“The government will work closely with the Odinga family to ensure Raila is laid to rest with the honour he deserves,” Murkomen stated.
A Farewell Befitting a Statesman
“We have been advised by the family that it was Raila’s wish to be buried as soon as possible. The family informed us that the timeline is 72 hours,” Kindiki revealed.
This explains why the public holiday was declared so swiftly—to allow millions of Kenyans time to mourn and reflect on the leader’s life and legacy.
Raila’s body will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. President Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, and several dignitaries—including former President Uhuru Kenyatta—are expected to receive the body.
Upon arrival, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel will take charge of the proceedings, with tight security already mounted around the airport. The body will then be taken to Lee Funeral Home, and later to Parliament Buildings, where it will lie in state for public viewing.
A Day of Reflection and Unity
Friday will not only be a day of mourning, but also a celebration of Raila’s unmatched legacy. The government has confirmed a State Funeral Service at Nyayo Stadium, beginning at 8:00 a.m., where dignitaries from across Africa and beyond will gather.
“We expect heads of state, diplomats, and long-time allies of the late Prime Minister to attend,” Kindiki said.
The service will feature tributes from family, friends, political allies, and church leaders, honouring Raila’s decades of struggle for democracy, justice, and equality.
Later, the body will be airlifted to Kisumu, where Kenyans will view it at Moi Stadium, before being driven to Bondo for the final burial on Sunday, October 19. Raila will rest beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and son, Fidel Odinga, in the family’s ancestral home at Kango Ka Jaramogi.
Kenyans Reflect on an Irreplaceable Legacy
“He stood for justice, fought for democracy, and never gave up on Kenya,” wrote one user on X.
“Friday will not just be a holiday. It will be a national moment of gratitude.”
Shops, schools, and offices across the country will remain closed as Kenyans gather in public spaces, churches, and community centres to mourn their fallen hero.
Final Goodbye to the People’s Leader
From his years as a reformer to his role as Prime Minister, Raila Odinga’s influence shaped generations. His courage, resilience, and determination to see a better Kenya earned him admiration far beyond political lines.
President Ruto summed it up best during Wednesday’s address:
“Kenya has lost a great son. His dream for unity, peace, and progress will live on through us all.”
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Govt Declares Friday a Public Holiday to Mourn Raila Odinga
