Kenya mourned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, laid to rest in Bondo with a 17-gun salute and Air Force fly-past. President Ruto posthumously awarded Odinga the Order of the Golden Heart and dedicated Mashujaa Day to his legacy. Mashujaa Day in Kitui was graced by Senegalese President Bassirou Faye. In other news, President Ruto announced plans for 50 mega dams to irrigate 2 million acres for food security, while the Kenya Defence Forces voiced concerns over funding cuts for peacekeeping missions.
Political discussions concerning the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have emerged. During Mashujaa Day celebrations, Kisii Governor Simba Arati publicly urged President William Ruto to rejoin the ODM party and proposed he be the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Separately, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei called for the immediate removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as the Secretary General of the ODM party. In other party news, Mombasa is set to host ODM's 20th-anniversary celebration.
The 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations were held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the chief guest. During the event, President William Ruto dedicated the celebrations to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, honoring his legacy as a monumental statesman. President Ruto also posthumously awarded the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) to Raila Odinga for his significant service and contributions to Kenya's national unity. In a major policy announcement at the celebration, the President stated the government plans to construct at least 50 mega dams to irrigate 2 million acres for a food-secure nation.
Raila Odinga was laid to rest at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, with a state funeral that included a 17-gun salute. However, events surrounding his funeral were marked by several incidents. At the Moi International Stadium in Kasarani, a stampede during a public viewing led to an overwhelming number of casualties at Kenyatta National Hospital. During the funeral in Bondo, a police firearm was stolen from an officer attached to a governor's VIP protection team. Shortly after dignitaries departed the burial, hundreds of mourners stormed the private gravesite, defying the family's requests.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home, Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo. A solemn farewell ceremony was held for the celebrated hero, where military officers performed the final honors. The death of Raila Odinga has significantly altered Kenya's political landscape, with implications for his ODM party, the ruling UDA party, and the government. Following the passing of its patriarch, tensions are now emerging within the 20-year-old ODM party despite calls for unity. Speeches at the funeral service revealed concerns about the party's future without his leadership.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has revoked PayU Kenya Limited's payment operating licence, effective October 13, 2025, after the company entered liquidation in August 2025. This move by the CBK marks the end of the firm's efforts to penetrate Kenya's e-commerce gateway market. Concurrently, a recent Central Bank of Kenya survey has shown that Kenyan companies are increasingly relying on internal funds for operations and expansion due to high borrowing costs and strict lending conditions. In this environment, global microfinance group Advans is expanding into East Africa, specifically targeting Kenya. The group plans to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with data-driven lending solutions, aiming to bridge the significant financing gap for small businesses.
During the Mashujaa Day celebrations, President William Ruto posthumously awarded the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with Kenya's highest honor. The awards mentioned include the Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH) and the Order of the Golden Heart (OGH). President Ruto paid a significant tribute to Odinga, honoring him as a distinguished citizen of Kenya. In his Mashujaa Day address, which was dedicated to Odinga, Ruto commended him as "a towering patriot and timeless hero." The president highlighted the late former Prime Minister's enduring leadership lessons and values.
President William Ruto defended his cooperation with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, criticizing those who opposed Odinga's decision to work with the government for stability. Ruto revealed he had an agreement with the late Odinga concerning the nation's future, focusing on food security, value addition for exports, and infrastructure development. The president has also hinted at a potential alliance with the ODM party ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a public statement, Ruto hailed Raila as a mentor and committed to keeping the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in government, assuring supporters they will not be politically marginalized.
Kenya's construction sector faces its worst job outlook, with no hiring plans. Meanwhile, 17 counties grapple with cooking gas shortages, prompting a call for more storage. KQ and Qatar Airways expanded their partnership with 11 new global routes, as Advans targets Kenyan SMEs with new lending solutions.
Chaos at Kasarani as police used teargas on mourners viewing former PM Raila Odinga's body, prompting CS Murkomen to intervene. JKIA operations were also temporarily disrupted by the large crowds. Meanwhile, a suspect in a GSU officer's killing has been detained for 14 days.
Kenya mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, laid to rest in Bondo. His death significantly redefines the political landscape, sparking internal tensions within his ODM party and prompting reflection on the future of Kenya's political parties.
Kenya bid farewell to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest with a 17-gun salute and Kenya Air Force fly-past in Bondo. President Ruto posthumously conferred Odinga with the Order of the Golden Heart and dedicated the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations to his legacy, praising his contributions to unity and democracy. Separately, President Ruto announced plans for 50 mega dams to irrigate 2 million acres for food security. The Kenya Defence Forces also raised concerns over funding cuts for peacekeeping missions. Senegalese President Bassirou Faye was the chief guest at this year's Mashujaa Day in Kitui.
