Kenya is grappling with a period of profound national mourning following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, an iconic figure in the nation's political landscape. Odinga, who died in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, had expressed a wish for his remains to be laid to rest within 72 hours, a directive that set in motion a rapid and often tumultuous series of events culminating in a state funeral and public farewells across the country.

The return of Odinga's body to Kenya on Thursday, October 16, 2025, was met with unprecedented public fervor. His remains arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, where immense crowds of supporters had gathered as early as 6 AM, defying security protocols. The sheer volume of mourners led authorities to briefly suspend flights and prompted a precautionary closure of the airport for about two hours as crowds breached restricted areas. From the airport, thousands joined a procession to escort the vehicle carrying the body towards the city center.

Originally slated for public viewing inside the Parliament Buildings, the ceremony was hastily relocated to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani due to the unexpectedly large and surging crowds. Upon the convoy's arrival at the packed stadium, a significant number of mourners breached a gate, leading to a chaotic scene. Police responded by firing tear gas and gunshots to disperse the crowds, causing masses to rush towards the exits. Prominent rights group Vocal Africa reported that at least three bodies, bearing gunshot wounds, were taken to the city's main mortuary, with local media suggesting a potential fourth casualty. A BBC reporter also observed men in civilian clothing assaulting protesters with batons.

Despite the initial chaos, the situation eventually stabilized, allowing dignitaries and government officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto, to observe the coffin. A brief public viewing followed. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chaired the funeral planning committee, held a press briefing later that evening but notably made no mention of the preceding chaos or reported deaths. Mourners, many from Odinga's Luo ethnic group, carried branches and palm fronds, traditional symbols of grief.

Friday, October 17, 2025, was declared a national public holiday for Odinga's state funeral. His body arrived at Parliament Buildings early that morning from the Lee Funeral Home under military procession, where it lay in state for leaders to pay their respects. President William Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kindiki, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and Speakers Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi, led the tributes. Later, thousands of mourners and numerous international dignitaries, including at least seven heads of state, gathered at Nyayo National Stadium for an Anglican Church-led service with full military honors. Senior government officials present included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho, Alfred Mutua, Opiyo Wandayi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Following the state funeral, the final leg of Odinga's journey was planned. The public viewing of his body in Kisumu, his political stronghold in western Kenya, was moved from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo to accommodate anticipated mammoth crowds. On Saturday, his body was transported to Kisumu, with another opportunity for public viewing. The burial is scheduled for Sunday at his farm in Bondo, approximately 60km west of Kisumu.

Raila Odinga’s death brought a collective moment of reflection on his monumental impact on Kenyan politics. An enigma and a towering figure, he rose from a dissident and detainee to a top presidential contender, often referred to as ‘the People’s President’ by his ardent supporters. Despite losing five presidential campaigns, and claiming to have been cheated of victory at least once, Odinga was instrumental in shaping Kenya’s democratic trajectory. He was a formidable hero of the country’s second liberation, a tireless advocate for democratic space, social justice, economic transformation, and national unity.

His distinguished public service career spanned over four decades, during which he played a pivotal role in Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy, the advancement of constitutional reforms including the 2010 Constitution, and the deepening of good governance, accountability, and inclusive leadership. Odinga's dedication to reconciliation and peace-building was evident in the 2008 National Accord and Reconciliation Act, which stabilized the country during a period of intense political tension. He served with distinction as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, as a Cabinet Minister in various portfolios, and as a long-serving Member of Parliament for Lang’ata. Furthermore, as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, he championed regional integration and cross-border connectivity. Senators, paying glowing tributes during a special sitting, lauded his resilience, courage, visionary statesmanship, and commitment to uniting Africa and advocating for the rights of all Kenyans, including marginalized communities.