Kenya will observe a public holiday tomorrow, October 17, to mourn former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose body arrived today at JKIA to chaotic scenes as crowds overwhelmed security. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that KCSE rehearsals will proceed on Friday, however, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has postponed teachers' promotion interviews to October 21-23.
Chaos erupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning as thousands of mourners overwhelmed security personnel during the arrival of Raila Odinga's body. The unruly crowds breached VIP gates, disrupting the planned State Reception and preventing President William Ruto from participating. Security was forced to form a barrier around the plane. Separately, police fired tear gas at Kasarani Stadium to disperse thousands who had gathered for a public viewing. This response occurred after some attendees reportedly threw stones, prompting a forceful police action.
A Kenyan court has rejected and dismissed a petition that aimed to halt the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. The petitioner had argued that a quick burial violated Luo customs and traditions for a leader of his stature. Raila will be laid to rest in Bondo, Siaya County. His burial is planned to combine Anglican Church traditions with significant Luo cultural rituals to honour his passage to the ancestral world.
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The Kenya Airways flight, designated RAO001 (formerly KQ 203), landed from India. President William Ruto led the State reception for Odinga's final return, joined by other dignitaries. Large crowds gathered at the airport to receive the body, which was en route from India after his death while receiving treatment. The arrival necessitated changes to planned public viewing locations.
The Kenyan government declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. A State Funeral Service will be held on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The National Funeral Committee, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, confirmed the burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, in Siaya County, varying his wish for a burial within 72 hours. A full timetable was released for the State Funeral on Friday and subsequent events in Kisumu on Saturday. Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, at age 80.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has postponed all teachers' promotion interviews originally scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025. The decision was made in honor of the public holiday declared for the late Raila Odinga. The affected interviews will now take place between Tuesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 23, 2025. In contrast, the Ministry of Education has confirmed that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination rehearsal will proceed as planned on the Friday public holiday.
Raila Odinga, described as 'the President Kenya never had', was accorded State honours in death. According to one report, his will requested that he be buried within 72 hours. Other stories look back on his life, characterizing it as one lived 'in defiance of silence' and describing him as an 'enigma' who rose from 'political dust'. His family's political journey is examined under the title 'The House of Jaramogi: A dynasty without a throne'. His career is summarized as leaving a 'mixed legacy of hope and doubt'.
Several reports focus on specific events and actions from Raila Odinga's career. One story recalls the day he 'swore himself as people’s president', an event which was followed by chaos. Another details 'how Raila’s historic petitions transformed Kenya’s electoral landscape'. A separate account is given of 'how Raila saved Matiang'i from arrest'.
The Kenyan government declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga. In connection with these events, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) temporarily closed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) airspace for two hours upon the arrival of his remains, citing enhanced security operations. The airport closure was also attributed to an infiltration of mourners, with regular operations restored after two hours. Tributes were paid by leaders including EACCIA President Richard Ngatia and CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge, who acknowledged Odinga's contributions to the economy. Businesses in Nairobi were also reported closed due to disruptions during a mourning march.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that a state funeral service for Raila Odinga will be held at Nyayo Stadium on October 17, commencing at 9 AM. Following the service, there will be a public viewing of the body at Nyayo Stadium from noon. DP Kindiki is overseeing the final funeral arrangements, and a state committee established by President Ruto departed for Mumbai to oversee the repatriation of the body. The burial of Raila Odinga is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 19. DP Kindiki also addressed Raila Odinga's wish to be buried within 72 hours.
Chaos erupted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) upon the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body. A crowd forcefully gained access into JKIA, and mourners breached a security barrier at the main entrance. Thousands reportedly broke protocol, with some breaching security to access the plane that transported the body. A planned military honors ceremony for Raila Odinga was disrupted when crowds interfered as his body was removed from the plane. President William Ruto was present at the airport but did not receive the body due to the disruptions.
Following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the age of 80, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning. Speaking from State House Nairobi, President Ruto announced that Raila Odinga will be accorded a state funeral. In addition, President Ruto issued a directive for all high-ranking government officials to cease displaying the national flag on their official vehicles during the mourning period until the burial. Friday, November 17th has also been declared a public holiday.
The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on October 15 in Kerala, India, from a cardiac arrest, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning. The Government of Kenya has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late leader, who will be buried at his Bondo home. The arrival of his remains at JKIA caused a temporary suspension of airport operations due to a large influx of mourners. During a public viewing at Kasarani Stadium, chaos erupted as police used tear gas and gunshots to control overwhelming crowds, prompting Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to urge police to cease the use of force. In the wake of his death, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed his brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, as its acting party leader.
The 2025 Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championship commenced at the Kasarani Aquatic Stadium, with competitors from nine countries. Kenyan swimmers are aiming for overall victory and had a promising start, securing several gold medals on Day One against strong competition from Uganda and Tanzania. The event features junior, senior, and masters categories. In another Nairobi event, the 6th edition of the Nairobi Mini Games was held at Urafiki Carovana School Kahawa on October 11, 2025. The annual tournament brought together children from 25 schools in a display that focused on fostering discipline, talent, and innovation beyond academics.
JKIA reopens after a brief closure due to Odinga mourners. Businesses raise concerns over political instability and AGOA's expiry, with 70% of CEOs expecting negative impacts. NSE gets an upgrade from FTSE Russell. CBK reports 67% of surveyed bankers foresee lower loan demand in October-November.
Kenya mourns Raila Odinga; Friday declared a public holiday for his burial in Siaya. His body arrived at JKIA, and Oburu Oginga is ODM's acting leader. Comedian 2mbili manages Shalkido's house clearance, while Miracle Baby refutes claims of Shalkido having a child.
Following Raila Odinga's passing, discussions focus on his wishes for a 72-hour burial. Kenyans are reflecting on his mixed legacy, impact on electoral reforms, and his role as a prominent, yet often controversial, figure in national politics for decades.
Harambee Stars face Ivory Coast tonight in a World Cup Qualifier. Kenyan boxers aim for glory at the Africa Zone Three Championships in Nairobi. Shujaa defended their Safari Sevens title, boosting their Series hopes. Golfer John Lejirma will turn pro after the 2026 Magical Kenya Open. KCB Golf Tour saw wins for Okanya and Ogutu.
President Ruto signed the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raising digital freedom concerns, and the VASP Bill, 2025, to regulate crypto. Transsion dominates East Africa's smartphone market with its affordable brands. Vivo globally launched OriginOS 6, based on Android 16.
Kenya is observing a public holiday on Friday, October 17, to mourn former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away in India. President Ruto led his body's reception at JKIA today, though the event saw chaotic scenes as large crowds overwhelmed security. The Ministry of Education confirms KCSE rehearsal will proceed on Friday, but TSC has postponed teachers' promotion interviews to October 21-23.
