Raila Odinga to be buried on Sunday: Inside the 4-day State funeral programme

The National Funeral Committee on the State Funeral of the late Raila Odinga, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the former Prime Minister will be buried on Sunday, October 19, in line with his family’s wishes.

Speaking during a press briefing in Karen after the news of his demise on Wednesday, Kindiki pointed out that Raila had indicated to the family that he wished to be buried within 72 hours ofhis death. 

The DP confirmed that, in line with President William Ruto’s proclamation, Raila would be accorded a State Funeral with all the honours of a statesman. 

“It’s expected that we will move quickly in the next few days for the reason communicated by the family following consultations by the family and the lawyer. We have been advised by the family that it was Raila’s wish to be buried within the shortest time possible and the family has communicated that it’s 72 hours,” Kindiki remarked. 

Further, DP Kindiki outlined the process from repatriating Raila’s body to the burial slated for Sunday at his Bondo home as follows:

Wednesday

6:30 pm – A Kenyan delegation is dispatched to India to facilitate the repatriation of Raila’s body to Nairobi. 

Thursday

1:00 am – The plane touches down in Mumbai, India.

3:00 am – The Kenyan delegation leaves India for Nairobi.

8:30 am – The plane carrying Raila’s body touches down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The body is received by the President and members of the family, then escorted to the Lee Funeral Home. 

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – The body is moved to the Parliamentary buildings in the NairobiCBD for public viewing. There will also be public grieving places where Kenyans can watch the proceedings across the country. 

5:00 pm – Raila’s body returns to Lee Funeral Home. 

Friday

8:00 am –  A State funeral service is held at the Nyayo Stadium, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya. After the event, the body is moved to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight stay. 

Saturday

9:00 am – 3:00 pm – The body leaves Nairobi for Kisumu for public viewing at the Moi Stadium. Afterwards, the body travels by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay.

Sunday

Burial to be conducted according to the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).