The Kenyan government clarified that Mashujaa Day celebrations would proceed as planned in Kitui County, refuting viral claims of cancellation following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized that the event, a significant pillar of the nation's identity honoring its founding fathers and heroes, would be held despite the country being in a period of mourning for Odinga, who passed away on October 15 and was buried on October 19. However, certain peripheral events, such as Energy Week and a Media Breakfast, were postponed to allow for national reflection and mourning. Kenyans were urged to attend to honor Odinga’s legacy of unity and resilience, alongside other national heroes.

The nation experienced immense grief after Raila Odinga's demise in India. His body was repatriated, and thousands of Kenyans turned out in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Bondo for public viewing. The government honored him with a state funeral. The main funeral service was conducted at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, followed by a private interment at his Opoda farm. The Anglican Church of Kenya led both the service and the graveside prayers, where Odinga was laid to rest shortly after 5 pm, accompanied by his signature hat and flywhisk.

President William Ruto delivered an emotional tribute, reflecting on his complex relationship with Raila Odinga and their shared vision for Kenya. Ruto disclosed intense engagements in the three months leading up to Odinga's death, focused on transforming Kenya into a first-world country, including plans for extending the Standard Gauge Railway. He hailed Odinga as a mentor, recalling Odinga's support for his presidential aspirations in 2005 and their extensive political history together, spanning from 1997 through KANU and the formation of ODM. Despite later political differences, they maintained contact, which eventually led to the formation of a broad-based government after the 2022 elections. Ruto assured Odinga that his leadership would address past grievances and honor Odinga’s contributions. Hinting at a potential alliance, Ruto pledged to honor Odinga's legacy by supporting ODM in 2027 to build the largest political party, ensuring it would either form or be part of the next government, and cautioned against internal party divisions. He also committed to providing for Odinga's dedicated staff, including Maurice Ogeta. Ruto shared the pain of Odinga's final month, marked by a struggle with a hoarse voice, and detailed the government's full support for Odinga’s decision to seek medical treatment in India. He expressed gratitude to Odinga's family members, including Ruth Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, Oburu Oginga, and Winnie Odinga, for their steadfast support.

During the state funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium, Reverend David Kodia delivered a profound message, calling for national unity and urging Kenyans to prioritize their national identity above tribal, class, or regional affiliations as a befitting tribute to Odinga. Kodia also admonished a segment of the clergy for compromising their spiritual calling by aligning with political powers. He critically addressed the pervasive issues of handouts and corruption, contrasting Odinga's reliance on persuasion with the growing trend of politicians using money to gain public support. Kodia challenged all present to commit to ending public looting and ensuring the return of stolen funds.

The Odinga family shared intimate details, cherished memories, and previously private discussions. Ruth Odinga revealed her conversation with Raila a day before his passing, where he stressed the paramount importance of ODM's unity, warning against internal power struggles. Winnie Odinga expressed her readiness to enter the political arena and thanked President Ruto for honoring her late father. Mama Ida Odinga reflected on her 52 years of marriage, asserting she would marry him again, knowing the sacrifices of being a politician's wife, and thanked Ruto for the dignified send-off. Rosemary Odinga vowed to continue her father's legacy of selfless service to Kenya and the African continent. Oburu Odinga, Raila's elder brother, confirmed President Ruto's significant support during Raila's final illness, including funding his travel to India, and being promptly informed of his death. Raila Junior fondly remembered his father's political riddles and dance styles. Emily Oginga, his sister, disclosed that Raila was quietly working on a third biography dedicated to Pan-Africanism and Africa's future development just before his death. Other dignitaries present at JOOUST included retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, and various Cabinet Secretaries and ODM leaders who reiterated their commitment to upholding Odinga's legacy and party unity. Host Governor James Orengo specifically thanked Ruto for according Odinga a state funeral, contrasting it with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's send-off.

Adding an unexpected international dimension to the mourning, Tanzanian opposition leader John Heche, dispatched by CHADEMA to represent the opposition at Odinga's funeral, was apprehended at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while en route to Kenya. His passport was confiscated, and he was detained, an ordeal he documented in a video, attributing it to the Tanzanian government's suppression of dissent. News of his arrest sparked widespread protests from hundreds of Kenyans and Tanzanians on both sides of the border. They marched to the immigration facility, disrupting traffic and vehemently demanding his release. Although police thwarted attempts to storm the building, the resolute crowd camped at the border until Heche was released by Tanzanian officers. He was then jubilantly welcomed and proceeded on his journey to Bondo for the funeral.