Government Declares Friday a Public Holiday to Honour Raila Odinga
The Government of Kenya has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who died in India on Wednesday at the age of 80.
In a special gazette notice issued on Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the day would be set aside for national reflection and tribute to the veteran politician, whose influence shaped Kenya’s democracy for over four decades.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that Friday, the 17th October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” the notice read in part.
The declaration came as Kenya was preparing to receive Odinga’s body from India. According to government sources, Raila’s body will be transferred from JKIA to the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi. Public viewing will take place at Parliament Buildings, allowing Kenyans to pay their final respects.
President William Ruto has announced seven days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast nationwide. Odinga will be accorded a state funeral, underscoring his significant contribution to Kenya’s political history.
Fondly known as “Baba,” Odinga served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and was a key architect of the country’s push toward multi-party democracy. His political journey, marked by resilience and reform, made him one of the most influential figures in post-independence Kenya.
Thousands of mourners have gathered in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Bondo for vigils and memorial services ahead of his burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
Raila Odinga’s passing has united the nation in grief, marking the end of a political era and the departure of a statesman whose vision and courage defined a generation.
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