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.