The government has indicated that it will unveil a series of events to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after his burial.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the National State Funeral Committee, said on Saturday evening that the details will be shared following the completion of the interment ceremonies.
“The National State Funeral Committee will announce details of subsequent events and activities to further honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after tomorrow’s interment rites,” he said.
Kindiki added that the funeral service will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
“Tomorrow, the final interment ceremony will take place, starting with an interment service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University from 9.00 am until 1.00 pm, followed by committal, final prayers and military honours at the gravesite at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the public, security officers, and emergency personnel for their role in managing the public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body.
“The day long public viewing activity at Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu City has ended solemnly as the mourning period progresses. The remains have arrived at the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s home at Opoda Farm, Bondo in Siaya County, for an overnight stay,” Kindiki noted.
The committee has been providing continuous updates on preparations for the final farewell. Thousands of residents thronged Mamboleo in Kisumu to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister.
Preparations for Raila Odinga’s burial are now complete. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County. Regional leaders visited the site on Saturday to inspect arrangements, joining mourners in expressing their grief.
Following the public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu, Raila’s body was transported by helicopter to Opoda Farm. The chopper touched down at 4:16 p.m., with mourners wailing and blowing vuvuzelas as the casket was received by the family. Hundreds of residents stood in long, silent queues to pay their last respects.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo explained that the initial plan to transport the body by road was changed.
“The decision centred on logistical coordination and security preparedness to ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly, safely, and with the dignity befitting a national hero,” he said.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo following a night vigil at Opoda Farm.