Kenya is mourning the death of Raila Odinga, the country’s long-serving opposition leader and democracy champion, who passed away in India at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.
His death closes a monumental chapter in Kenya’s political history, marking the departure of a man whose name became synonymous with reform, defiance, and unwavering belief in justice.
A State funeral in honour of the late ODM chief is being held on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
8:10: President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto arrive at Parliament Buildings
6:45 am: Former Prime Minister’s body is taken to Parliament building
7:00 am : Security heighten around Parliament ahead of the State Funeral Service of Raila Odinga
7: 30 am: Hundreds of Kenyans already seated at Nyayo Stadiun ahead of the Raila’s State Funeral Service
7:35 am: Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Chief Justice Martha Koome in Parliament ready to receive the body of the late Raila Odinga
7:40 am : Member of the National Assembly, Senate align at Parliament as they wait for President William Ruto to arrive to receive the body of the late Raila Odinga
7:43 am: Security personnel from various units, including the GSU, Administration Police, and anti-riot squads, have been deployed along roads leading to Parliament and Nyayo Stadium. Traffic is already being redirected from Uhuru Highway.
7:49 am: The Nairobi Traffic Commandant has announced that traffic along Uhuru Highway will be completely closed ahead of the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.
7:57 am: The formation at Parliament Buildings, led by the two Speakers and the Chief Justice, has dispersed. The day’s programme at Parliament remains unclear. Security has been tightened around the precincts, with officers stationed along all major roads leading to Parliament.
8:05 am: A huge crowd has gathered at Nyayo National Stadium ahead of the start of Raila’s State Funeral. The government had directed mourners to be seated by 8:30am in preparation for the ceremony.
8:55 am : Security remains tight around Nyayo Stadium as thousands of mourners continue streaming in. Leaders of the United Opposition have also arrived at the venue.
9:00 am: At least seven Heads of State, including Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, are expected to attend the ceremony. Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete is already in the country.
9:17 am: The body of Raila Odinga is placed back onto the military gun carriage as the procession departs Parliament Buildings en route to Nyayo National Stadium.
9:17 am: Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was Raila’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 general elections, arrives at the venue. He cut short his 10-day UK tour and returned to the country earlier this morning.
9:28 am: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrive at Nyayo National Stadium for the funeral ceremony.
9:32 am: Mama Ida Odinga, accompanied by her daughter Rosemary Odinga, arrives at the stadium to an emotional reception from the crowd.
9:33 am: Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete arrives at the stadium, joining dignitaries and citizens gathered to pay their last respects.
9:35 am: President William Ruto arrives at Nyayo National Stadium for the State Funeral of Raila Odinga.
9:47 am: The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrives at Nyayo National Stadium to thunderous cheers from thousands of mourners. Escorted under tight military security, the casket makes a ceremonial lap of honour around the stadium as chants of his name echo through the stands.
Members of Kenya's security forces at Parliament buildings. PHOTO/Handout
The body of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga arriving at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025.