Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the National Committee on the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has announced that the funeral ceremony will last two hours to allow more time for public viewing of the late ODM leader’s remains.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Kindiki said the State funeral will begin at 9 am, and guests are expected to be seated by 8 am.
He added that the ceremony will include full military honours for the former Prime Minister.
“Tomorrow, there will be a state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium beginning at 9 am. Guests are required to be settled by 8 am. This two-hour State event will comprise military honours, a church sermon from the Anglican Church of Kenya, a eulogy by the family, and designated condolences and speeches from the leadership of Kenya and foreign heads of state and government,” the Deputy President said.
Kindiki explained that the shorter official ceremony would make time for the public to view Raila’s body.
“There will be a public viewing of the remains of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga after that State event. Those who want to continue mourning our departed leader have no cause to worry. There will be another opportunity, and we will extend that opportunity from around 12 noon,” he said.
This was the second briefing from the State Funeral Committee.
Raila Odinga died in India after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment. His body arrived in Kenya on Thursday morning and has been lying in state.
The ODM leader is scheduled to be buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
On Thursday, his family announced that he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by only a few people.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who is also Raila’s elder brother, said the family was planning a dignified send-off for the former Prime Minister.
“We will give Raila a dignified send-off, which he deserves, as a dignified son of this land. The programme will end with a burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and later Raila will be buried next to our mum and dad in a private burial, which will be attended only by a few people,” Oburu said.