The national funeral committee has once again altered the final journey arrangements for the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.
Initially, the plan had been for Raila’s body to be ferried by road from Kisumu to his Bondo home, allowing thousands of mourners along the route to pay their final respects. However, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announced on Saturday afternoon that the body will now be flown directly to Bondo later in the day.
Omollo explained that the decision was made to accommodate the overwhelming crowds at Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu, where Raila’s body lies in state for public viewing.
“The numbers keep increasing. By the time the viewing ends, it would be too late to travel by road, and we need to get to Bondo before nightfall,” the PS stated.
According to Omollo, the shift aims to ensure all mourners get a fair chance to view the body before it departs for Bondo, where the burial will take place on Sunday, October 19.
Friday’s Change in Plans
This latest adjustment follows another significant change made on Friday, October 17. The funeral committee had earlier announced that Raila’s body would spend the night at his Karen residence before being flown to Kisumu. However, that plan was later scrapped, with the body instead spending the night at Lee Funeral Home for final preparations ahead of the journey to Kisumu.
On Saturday morning, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) aircraft carrying Raila’s remains touched down at Kisumu International Airport shortly after 8 a.m. From there, the casket was transferred to another aircraft that flew it to the Mamboleo Grounds, where thousands had already gathered since dawn to bid farewell to the man many fondly called “Baba.”
Nation in Mourning
Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India. According to family sources, the veteran politician suffered a fatal heart attack during his morning walk.
As the country mourns one of its most influential political figures, security has been heightened across Kisumu and Bondo. Bondo town, in particular, has turned into a hive of activity as mourners, dignitaries, and supporters converge ahead of Sunday’s burial.
Raila will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County — marking the end of an era for a man whose life’s mission was democracy, justice, and the unity of the Kenyan people.
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