- A carefully selected team embarked on a solemn mission in India, initiating Raila Odinga’s farewell journey
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki detailed how the former premier’s body will be moved from India until his burial
- Kindiki announced Raila’s final resting place with tradition and reverence, marking the close of his historic chapter
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Former prime minister Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, while receiving treatment in Kerala, India.
Source: Facebook
President William Ruto announced his death with deep sorrow and confirmed that Raila would be accorded a full state burial, complete with military honours.
Who will oversee Raila’s burial plans?
To oversee the funeral arrangements, Ruto established a national funeral committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga.
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The committee includes Cabinet secretaries, members of the Raila family, ODM leaders, and governors such as Gladys Wanga, James Orengo, Abdulswamad Shariff, and Anyang’ Nyong’o, along with representatives from both the Senate and National Assembly.
A delegation comprising government officials, ODM leaders, and family members was dispatched to India to repatriate Raila’s body ahead of his final send-off.
Raila’s funeral timeline: From India to Bondo
Speaking from Raila’s Karen residence, Kindiki outlined the chronology of events leading to Raila’s burial:
Thursday, October 16
The delegation to repatriate the body will arrive in Mumbai at 1am local time, with a two-hour ground time before departing for Nairobi.
The body is expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at approximately 8.30am, where it will be received by the president, family members, and other state officials. It will then be taken to the Lee Funeral Home, Nairobi.
At 12pm, the body will be escorted to Parliament Buildings in the Central Business District for public viewing, which will run until 5pm. Afterward, the body will return to Lee Funeral Home.
Friday, October 17
A state funeral service will be held at Nyayo Stadium starting at 8am. The event will be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from across the globe and conducted in accordance with state protocols to honour Raila’s stature as a national hero.
Following the service, the body will be moved to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight stay.
Saturday, October 18
Early in the morning, the body will depart Nairobi for Kisumu.
Public viewing will take place at Moi Stadium between 9am and 3pm. From Kisumu, the body will travel by road to Bondo for another overnight stay.
Sunday, October 19
Raila will be laid to rest in his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya county. The burial will be conducted in accordance with the traditions of the Anglican Church, to which he belonged.
Kindiki urged Kenyans to respect the Raila family’s privacy and dignity during this difficult time, acknowledging the profound grief they are enduring.
Source: Twitter
How long will Kenyans mourn Raila?
Meanwhile, Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period in honor of the late former prime minister.
During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across all public buildings, military installations, naval vessels, and diplomatic missions.
State House and public grounds throughout Kenya will also observe the flag directive.
Additionally, top government officials will not fly the national flag on their official vehicles.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
