Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga/HANDOUTFormer Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be buried on Sunday, October 19, at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said that they have received the family’s request for Raila to be buried within a short time of 72 hours.
Raila passed away on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment in India, the family confirmed.
Kindiki, who co-chairs the funeral committee with Raila’s brother Oburu Oginga, said the decision was reached following consultations between the Odinga family and their lawyer.
“We will move very quickly in the next few hours and few days for the reason which has been communicated to us by the family of the late Prime Minister following consultations between the family and the family lawyer,” Kindiki said.
“The family has advised the committee that it was the wish of Raila Odinga to be buried within the shortest time possible following his demise, and that timeline is 72 hours.”
He added that despite the short timeline, the process will balance Raila’s wishes with the values and traditions of his family and community.
“We are advised that the family and the committee will give respect to the wishes of the late Prime Minister as far as possible, but at the same time accommodate other nuances and contexts that are important, considering the family, community, and societal values for which Raila stood,” he said.
The Deputy President revealed that an aircraft that left Nairobi earlier in the day is expected to land in Mumbai at 1am and have a layover of two hours. The plane is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at approximately 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Upon arrival, the body will be received by President William Ruto, members of Raila’s family, and senior government officials. It will then be escorted to Lee Funeral Home for preservation before being moved to Parliament Buildings at noon for public viewing from 12pm to 5pm.
Kindiki said the committee has also identified several public venues across the country where Kenyans can follow the arrival, public viewing, and other funeral events live.
“The government will ensure that all Kenyans who wish to pay their respects to the late Prime Minister can do so in a dignified, peaceful and organised manner,” he said.
Following the public viewing of his body in Parliament on Thursday, the remains will be returned to Lee Funeral Home for preservation ahead of Friday’s national service.
Kindiki said a state funeral service will be held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday from 8am, attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from within and outside Kenya. After the service, the body will be moved to Raila’s Karen residence for an overnight stay.
On Saturday morning, the funeral procession will depart Nairobi for Kisumu, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects during a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9am and 3pm.
Kindiki said the body will then travel by road to Bondo for an overnight stay.
“The burial ceremony will take place on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo. The final rites will be conducted according to the traditions of the Anglican Church of Kenya, to which the late Prime Minister belonged,” he said.
