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.
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.
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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.
