Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Kalonzo 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.
Raila’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.
Odinga 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.
Kenyans 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.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Kindiki said the State funeral will begin at 9 am, and guests are expected to be seated by 8 am.
On 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Senator Oburu emphasized that while the public would have an opportunity to pay their last respects, the actual burial would remain a family affair.
Raila’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.
President 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.
He 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.
In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing “firmly rejects the allegation” and accused the United Kingdom of engaging in political manipulation.
TSC said the affected interviews will now be conducted over three working days, from Tuesday, October 21, to Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The crowd, which had turned up in large numbers, had grown increasingly impatient as they awaited the arrival of the late leader’s remains from India.
![[PHOTOS] Standing Together: Kenyan leaders join Odinga Family as Raila's body returns home](https://radiogeneration.co.ke/cms/mugera_lock/uploads/2025/10/dbe3164f-277b-4d2b-b33e-c098c42ea9ae.jpg)
Security 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.
The directive is part of the government’s coordinated national mourning efforts honoring Raila’s legacy and contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
The Kenya Airports Authority personnel made repeated appeals for calm, but their efforts were drowned by the cries of mourners desperate to catch a glimpse of the casket. Tension heightened when the coffin, draped in the Kenyan flag, was brought out of the plane, prompting louder wails across the tarmac.
The ceremonial gun carriage, freshly polished and gleaming, awaited to bear the casket draped in the national flag. Security personnel maintained tight control around the airport, with members of the public kept at a distance to prevent commotion as emotions ran high among supporters gathered outside.
Armed police and military officers have cordoned off all access routes to the facility, with checkpoints mounted along Valley Road and Argwings Kodhek Road. Only selected family members, authorised government officials, and accredited personnel are being allowed entry.
Ruto, who arrived shortly after 9:08 am, is leading the country’s leadership in welcoming the remains of the opposition leader who passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India. His Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, was among the first senior government officials to reach the airport to oversee the final arrangements for the solemn reception.
Oluga said each ambulance has been fitted with both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment, enabling paramedics and medical teams to respond to any medical emergency.
Dr. Oginga, the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, assumes leadership at a crucial time as ODM begins a transition process following Raila’s death on Wednesday, October 16, 2025.
The aircraft, KQA203, left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 6:30 p.m., carrying a delegation sent to oversee the repatriation process. Within hours of take-off, it had drawn intense global interest, initially ranking second among the world’s most tracked flights before taking the top spot by midnight.
In a special gazette notice issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, the declaration was made under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, giving Kenyans across the country an opportunity to reflect on Odinga’s life and legacy.
A condolence book will also be open at the State Department of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi for envoys and international representatives to sign.
Following arrangements at Lee Funeral Home, Raila’s remains will be transported to Parliament to lie in state, giving Kenyans an opportunity to pay their respects.
Raila’s body is expected to arrive in Kenya on Thursday, October 16, at around 9 am, after which it will be taken to the Lee Funeral Home.
