In a statement released on Friday, October 17, 2025, ODM’s Director of Communications, Philip Etale, confirmed that the national funeral committee had decided against taking the late leader’s body to his Karen residence for an overnight stay, as had initially been scheduled.
By Chrispho OwuorFor decades, Hon. Raila stood at the forefront of Kenya’s struggle for freedom, justice and unity. His courage in the face of adversity, his resilience through moments of trial and his unwavering belief in Kenya’s promise left a lasting imprint on our national story.
By First Lady Rachel RutoThe revelation brought profound emotion to a service already charged with grief. Born just over a year apart, the two brothers were not only family but also close political allies, navigating Kenya’s turbulent journey toward democracy together.
By Chrispho OwuorEarlier in Parliament Buildings, Ogeta was overcome with grief while paying his respects to the former Prime Minister.
By David AbonyoHe was a formidable opponent, but he was an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation.I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations sometimes challenging, always insightful and the fire of belief that never left his eyes.
By Uhuru KenyattaI had dreamed of retiring together, of growing old hand in hand, sharing quiet sunsets and dreams fulfilled. But now, I realise life’s plans are in the hands of a higher power.
By Ida OdingaThank you for standing by me even when I fell short or outright failed, and for always showing me grace. Thank you for your wisdom, your guidance and your unwavering love — not just for me, but for our entire family: Mama, Fidel, Rosie, Winnie, my wife, my children, my in-laws and my friends.
By Raila Odinga JuniorWinnie shared how she felt lucky to have had Raila as her father, alongside three other close family members.
By Rose AchiengFor me, working with Hon Raila affirmed certain important truths that, I believe, no leader should ever neglect: Respect for opponents, acknowledging our diversity and different opinions, never underestimating competitors and never losing sight of the humanity of all persons, including our adversaries.
By President William RutoThe two items he carried hold deep symbolic weight. The fly whisk—an ever-present feature in Raila’s rallies and public events—represented his authority and unbroken bond with his supporters.
By Maureen KinyanjuiPreparations were also underway for Saturday’s State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, which is expected to draw global attention and high-level delegations from across the world. Police said that about 10,000 officers had been mobilized to ensure order during the event.
By Ann NyamburaNairobi’s head of traffic operations, Joseph Chirchir, announced road closures around the stadium to control movement and advised motorists to use alternative routes through Bunyala Road to access the city centre.
By Maureen KinyanjuiKalonzo had been in the UK for a ten-day official visit that began on October 8, following his party’s decision earlier this month to endorse him as their presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 elections. His trip included meetings with policy leaders, international partners, and members of the Kenyan community abroad.
By Maureen KinyanjuiRaila’s body, wrapped in the Kenyan flag, lies under the watch of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a ceremony reserved for national figures accorded State honours.
By Maureen KinyanjuiOdinga was born on 7 January 1945 in Maseno, Kisumu County, and studied mechanical engineering in East Germany, where he earned a master’s degree in 1970. He was married to Ida Odinga, and together they raised four children, the late Fidel, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie. He once said Fidel’s name was inspired by Cuban leader Fidel Castro, whom he admired for standing up to the United States during the Vietnam War.
By Maureen KinyanjuiKenyans thronged the national stadium on Thursday to pay their last respects for the ODM leaders after the viewing venue was moved from the Parliament Buildings due to logistical challenges.
By Maureen KinyanjuiSpeaking on Thursday evening, Kindiki said the State funeral will begin at 9 am, and guests are expected to be seated by 8 am.
By Bradley BosireOn Thursday, Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, led family members, close friends, and church leaders in prayers and in formally designating the burial location. He confirmed that the grave, situated approximately five metres from Jaramogi’s mausoleum, will hold Raila’s remains.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe case had been filed by Michael Onyango Otieno, who sought a declaration that interring Odinga within 72 hours contradicted the Constitution. He argued that such haste breached Article 44, which protects the right of every person to engage in their community’s cultural life.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe electoral body further stated that Raila’s life was etched in Kenya’s democratic foundations and that his efforts were reflected in every reform, freedom, and ballot cast since the return of multiparty democracy.
By Bradley BosireSenator Oburu emphasized that while the public would have an opportunity to pay their last respects, the actual burial would remain a family affair.
By Bradley BosireRaila’s passing has left the nation in mourning, with tributes coming from across Kenya and beyond. The 80-year-old opposition figure died in India, where he had sought treatment following a mild stroke he suffered the previous week.
By Maureen KinyanjuiPresident William Ruto led the delegation in paying respects to the late statesman. He was followed by Mama Ida Odinga, the late leader’s children, and close relatives. Among the dignitaries present were former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
By Maureen KinyanjuiHe narrated that during a conversation, he told Raila that his opponents were used to stealing his victory and maybe they should also plan to rig themselves into office.
By Bradley BosireSecurity at the airport had been heightened earlier, with both police and military personnel ensuring the venue was prepared for the arrival of the Kenya Airways flight carrying Odinga’s remains from India.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe directive is part of the government’s coordinated national mourning efforts honoring Raila’s legacy and contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
By David AbonyoRaila was always at the stadium when it mattered. By the time of his passing, he was patron of Gor Mahia FC and was a number one fan of national team Harambee Stars whose matches he attended at every opportunity he found.
By Dennis Masinde