The National Committee on the State Funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila OdingaRaila 

By Kimberly Kalusi

The National Committee on the State Funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has released the official itinerary for the highly anticipated State Funeral Service set to take place tomorrow at Nyayo National Stadium.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the funeral committee, urged Kenyans to maintain calm, unity, and dignity as the nation continues to mourn the veteran statesman and opposition leader.

“We thank the thousands of mourners who have gathered across the country to honor Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Kindiki said during a press briefing in Nairobi. “We appeal for continued calm and order as we enter the second day of national mourning.”

According to the committee, the State Funeral Service will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Nyayo Stadium, followed by public viewing of Raila’s body at the same venue. The committee said the viewing period will be extended to allow as many Kenyans as possible to pay their last respects.

“The viewing will be stretched as far as possible to give every Kenyan a chance to bid farewell to our departed leader,” the committee’s statement read.

The event is expected to draw thousands of mourners, including foreign dignitaries, heads of state, diplomats, and political leaders from across Africa. Security has been heightened around the stadium and major access roads, with traffic diversions planned to manage the expected crowds.

The committee has also arranged for large screens to be mounted at Uhuru Park, Jeevanjee Gardens, and other public spaces in Nairobi to accommodate overflow crowds wishing to follow the proceedings live.

Raila’s body, which has been lying at Lee Funeral Home, will be escorted in a solemn procession to Nyayo Stadium in the morning under tight security, accompanied by family members and senior government officials.

The funeral service will include ecumenical prayers, tributes, and musical performances celebrating Raila’s six-decade journey in Kenya’s political and democratic struggle.

After the service and public viewing, the body will be returned to Lee Funeral Home before being flown later in the week to Bondo, Siaya County, for the final burial ceremony.

“Tomorrow’s service will be a celebration of Raila’s life, vision, and courage — a moment for Kenyans to unite in gratitude and peace,” Kindiki said.