Kenya prepares to bid a solemn farewell to former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India. Family sources confirmed his death to the BBC, concluding weeks of speculation surrounding his health, which family members and political allies had previously dismissed as critically ill.

Odinga, a towering figure and political mobiliser in Kenyan politics, leaves behind a profound legacy marked by an unwavering fight for democratic freedoms and human rights. Throughout his illustrious career, he ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, frequently challenging election outcomes. Notably, Kenya's highest court vindicated him in 2017 by annulling Uhuru Kenyatta's victory and ordering fresh polls, though he boycotted the rerun demanding electoral reforms. He was known for his ability to reconcile with incumbent presidents after contentious elections, as seen after his most recent defeat in 2022 when he joined President William Ruto in a broad-based government, which he defended as essential for national unity following watershed nationwide protests that culminated in the storming of parliament and resulted in dozens of protester deaths.

Earlier this year, the Ruto administration backed Odinga's bid to become chairperson of the African Union Commission. Despite garnering strong regional support, he ultimately lost the election to Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Odinga commanded a passionate and loyal following, particularly in his native western Kenya, where supporters affectionately referred to him by various nicknames such as "Baba" (Father), "Agwambo" (Act of God), and "Tinga" (Tractor), referencing his party's symbol in the 1997 elections. He was widely regarded as a master strategist and mass mobiliser, known for drawing immense crowds to his rallies and possessing a deep ability to connect with ordinary citizens.

His struggle against one-party dictatorship saw him endure two detentions, from 1982 to 1988 and again from 1989 to 1991, during the rule of Daniel arap Moi, making him Kenya's longest-serving detainee. His political journey to the national stage began with his initial imprisonment for attempting to stage a coup in 1982.

In accordance with his last wishes, Odinga's body is to be interred within 72 hours of his death. The state-organised funeral events are scheduled to commence with the arrival of his body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., where it will be received by President William Ruto and other top government officials.

Following the arrival, members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects during a public viewing at Parliament Buildings from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the same day. This event is expected to draw thousands of mourners, reflecting his extensive influence in Kenyan politics over decades.

A state funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium. This significant event will unite leaders from Kenya and across Africa to honour a man celebrated as one of the continent’s foremost champions of democracy.

The final journey will see the body flown to Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025, where residents can pay their last respects during a public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds. The culmination of the ceremonies will be the final burial service on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County. This service will be conducted by the Anglican Church of Kenya, marking the close of a historic chapter in Kenya’s political narrative.

Security measures have been significantly heightened across all venues, with government officials appealing to Kenyans to uphold peace and unity as the nation grieves one of its most iconic statesmen.