CS Murkomen declares public holiday to mourn Raila Odinga

The government has officially declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

According to a Kenya Gazette notice dated Thursday, October 16, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the holiday under the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110).

The day will be set aside for Kenyans to pay their respects to one of the country’s most influential political figures.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that...Friday, the 17th October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” read part of the gazette notice signed by CS Murkomen

The declaration comes ahead of Raila Odinga’s state funeral on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, following a series of events including a public viewing of the body at Parliament Buildings on Thursday.

President William Ruto is expected to lead the nation in paying tribute to the veteran politician, whose decades-long career shaped Kenya’s democracy and governance landscape.

Odinga’s burial is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 19, in his Bondo home, Siaya County, following a final public viewing in Kisumu on Saturday.

What Is a State Funeral in Kenya?

A State Funeral in Kenya is the highest ceremonial honour the nation offers to a deceased leader, usually a sitting or former Head of State, or someone deemed to have made an exceptional national contribution. 

The purpose is both symbolic and civic: to allow the nation to grieve and pay tribute collectively, and to reinforce continuity and national unity during the transition after a major loss.

Over time, Kenyan State Funerals have blended religious ceremony, military/military‐style honours, customary traditions, public participation, and executive involvement. 

But the exact combination varies with the person’s office, faith, family wishes, and political stature. 

Key features usually include:

• Declaration by the President (or via executive instruments) that the funeral will be a State Funeral.

• A period of national mourning: flags flown at half-mast, muted official events, possible restrictions or adjustments to public engagements.

• Lying in State / Public viewing: the body is placed in a prominent public building (often Parliament, or a national hall) so that citizens and dignitaries may pass by and pay respects.

• Formal religious/memorial services, with eulogies, scripture and hymns or prayers (per the faith tradition of the deceased).

• Processions, motorcades, and a ceremonial escort from the lying‐in‐state venue to the final funeral service/burial site.

• Military / security honours: the participation of armed forces or police in ceremonial roles (pallbearers, gun salutes, honour guard,) depending on the office held or by presidential/discretionary grant.

• Symbolic gestures: the national flag draped over the coffin (or placed nearby), presentation of the flag or honours to the family, possibly a last salute, or musical honours (bugle calls, etc.)

• Media broadcasting and national coverage: state funerals are typically aired across media to allow broad public participation, even for those who cannot attend physically.

• Coordination via a high‐level committee or working group composed of government officials, security agencies, and close family representatives to manage logistics, protocol, scheduling, security, and public information.