Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives at JKIA Ahead of State Funeral Preparations
NAIROBI, Oct 16 — The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Kerala, India, where he passed away on October 15 following a cardiac arrest. A somber mood engulfed Jomo Kenyatta International Airp..
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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.
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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.
