Raila Odinga State Funeral: Full Timetable for Final Journey
The National Funeral Committee has released the detailed schedule for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s State Funeral, which will be held on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The following day, additional events will take place in Kisumu and Bondo.
Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15 at age 80, suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India. His death has drawn global condolences, with several heads of state expected to attend the national service.
Friday, October 17: State Funeral in Nairobi
The State Funeral service for Raila Odinga will begin at 7:00 a.m. and conclude by 2:00 p.m. at Nyayo National Stadium.
-
7:00 a.m. – Mourners to be seated.
-
8:00 a.m. – Body leaves Lee Funeral Home, escorted by the military.
-
8:15 a.m. – Family arrives at the stadium.
-
8:30 a.m. – Foreign dignitaries arrive.
-
8:45 a.m. – President arrives.
-
9:00 a.m. – National and EAC anthems performed.
-
9:35 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. – Church service conducted by the Anglican Church of Kenya.
-
11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. – Deputy President invites the President, who delivers the Presidential address and welcomes foreign dignitaries to give tributes.
-
2:00 p.m. – Body leaves for Karen residence.
Saturday, October 18: Events in Kisumu and Bondo
On Saturday, the body will travel from Nairobi to Kisumu, where the public will get a final opportunity to pay their respects.
-
7:00 a.m. – Body departs Karen residence for the airport.
-
8:00 a.m. – Flight to Kisumu.
-
9:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. – Arrival of family and dignitaries at Mamboleo Showgrounds – Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
-
9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Public viewing session.
-
2:30 p.m. – Body leaves for Bondo for an overnight stay.
-
4:30 p.m. – Arrival in Bondo.
-
4:40 p.m. – Prayers led by the Anglican Church of Kenya.
Sunday, October 19: Final Resting Place
Raila Odinga’s burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, in accordance with Anglican Church traditions. He will be laid to rest at his family’s Kango Ka Jaramogi homestead in Bondo, beside the graves of his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son Fidel Odinga.
Raila desired burial within 72 hours of his death, according to his personal wishes. However, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, co-chair of the funeral committee, clarified that the committee adjusted the schedule to allow for repatriation and national arrangements after he died abroad.