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HomeDaily NewsThursday, October 16, 2025Events Following Death of Former PM Raila Odinga: Body Arrives, Public Holiday Declared, and Chaos at Viewing - October 2025
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Events Following Death of Former PM Raila Odinga: Body Arrives, Public Holiday Declared, and Chaos at Viewing - October 2025

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.

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Thursday 1:33 PMGhafla! (Entertainment)

JKIA Operations Fully Restored After Temporary Suspension Due To Mass Mourner Influx

JKIA Operations Fully Restored After Temporary Suspension Due To Mass Mourner Influx

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has fully restored operations after a temporary suspension caused by a large influx of mourners. The disruption occurred upon the arrival of the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from Kerala, India.

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Key Highlights

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has fully restored operations after a temporary suspension caused by a large influx of mourners. The disruption occurred upon the arrival of the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from Kerala, India.

  • Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and security agencies implemented comprehensive plans to manage the crowd.
  • Security was heightened with uniformed and plainclothes police officers deployed across terminals and access roads.
  • Domestic and international flight schedules were largely maintained, with alternative routes used to accommodate the state ceremony.
  • The former Prime Minister's body was received by national leaders and family, initiating a seven-day national mourning period declared by President William Ruto.
Thursday 7:28 AMGhafla! (Entertainment)First

Friday, October 17 Declared Public Holiday for Raila Odinga’s Burial

Friday, October 17 Declared Public Holiday for Raila Odinga’s Burial

The Government of Kenya has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister and long-serving opposition leader. Odinga, aged 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, from a cardiac arrest in Kerala, India, and will be buried at his Bondo home in Siaya County.

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Thursday 7:34 AMGhafla! (Entertainment)

Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives at JKIA Ahead of State Funeral Preparations

Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives at JKIA Ahead of State Funeral Preparations

The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Thursday morning from Kerala, India, following his death on October 15. The solemn arrival marked the official start of preparations for a state funeral.

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Key Highlights

The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Thursday morning from Kerala, India, following his death on October 15. The solemn arrival marked the official start of preparations for a state funeral.

  • Odinga's casket was received by President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other senior officials.
  • A 19-gun salute was performed in tribute to his decades of service, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki highlighting his contribution to Kenya's political history.
  • Odinga will lie in state at Parliament Buildings for two days, with his burial scheduled for Friday, October 17, declared a public holiday in Kenya.
Thursday 10:51 AMGhafla! (Entertainment)

Raila’s Brother Oburu Oginga Named ODM Acting Party Leader

Raila’s Brother Oburu Oginga Named ODM Acting Party Leader

Following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as its acting party leader.

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Key Highlights

Following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appointed Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga as its acting party leader.

  • Dr. Oburu Oginga, elder brother of the late Raila Odinga, was appointed unanimously by the ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Thursday morning in Nairobi.
  • The appointment is temporary, with Dr. Oginga serving until the party's top organs elect a substantive successor.
  • Raila Odinga, a significant figure in Kenyan politics for four decades, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80 in Kochi, India.
Thursday 6:32 PMGhafla! (Entertainment)

Murkomen Urges Police Not To Lob Teargas At Mourners In Kasarani Stadium

Murkomen Urges Police Not To Lob Teargas At Mourners In Kasarani Stadium

Chaos erupted at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga's body, as police fired tear gas and gunshots to control overwhelming crowds. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen intervened, urging police to cease the use of force on mourners who had filled the stadium.

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Key Highlights

Chaos erupted at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga's body, as police fired tear gas and gunshots to control overwhelming crowds. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen intervened, urging police to cease the use of force on mourners who had filled the stadium.

  • Over 48,000-seater stadium was overwhelmed by mourners.
  • CS Kipchumba Murkomen and PS Raymond Omollo intervened to stop police from firing tear gas.
  • Kenya Red Cross medical teams attended to several mourners who fainted or sustained injuries in the melee, with at least one person reported unconscious.
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Key Highlights

The Government of Kenya has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister and long-serving opposition leader. Odinga, aged 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, from a cardiac arrest in Kerala, India, and will be buried at his Bondo home in Siaya County.

  • The holiday will allow Kenyans to mourn and pay respects to a statesman dedicated to justice, democracy, and national reconciliation.
  • President William Ruto described Odinga as a "towering figure in Kenya’s democratic journey" whose leadership shaped the nation's political history.
  • The funeral will include both state honors and traditional Luo rites, with dignitaries from across Africa and beyond attending, and security on high alert for large crowds.