The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga will spend the night at the Lee Funeral Home instead of his Karen residence. This follows a last-minute change by the National Funeral Committee, which is co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga.
The committee stated that the adjustment was necessary due to unavoidable logistical challenges. The decision comes amid a week of emotional tributes and massive crowds turning up for the late leader’s final farewell events in Nairobi.
Raila Odinga Funeral Plans Take a Sudden Change, Final Overnight Rest at Lee Funeral Home
According to the latest official statement shared by the ODM Party, Raila Odinga’s body will be preserved overnight at the Lee Funeral Home after the public viewing at Nyayo Stadium concludes on Friday, October 17, 2025.
“The national funeral committee wishes to announce to the public that due to unavoidable circumstances, the body of the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight stay as earlier planned,” the statement read.
The committee further confirmed that the body will be prepared overnight for airlifting to Kisumu on Saturday morning. The plane carrying the former Prime Minister’s remains is scheduled to depart from Wilson Airport early Saturday for the lakeside city, where thousands are expected to line the streets for his homecoming.
President William Ruto, who became visibly emotional during his viewing of Raila’s body at Nyayo Stadium, is also expected to accompany the entourage to Kisumu.
Why the Funeral Program Keeps Changing
Initially, Raila’s body was to be taken to the Lee Funeral Home upon arrival from India at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday morning. However, this plan was disrupted after thousands of Kenyans flooded the airport and surrounding roads, causing major delays.
The overwhelming crowd forced the funeral committee to cancel the planned stopover at the funeral home and reroute the body directly for public viewing at the Parliament Buildings. Yet even that plan had to change.
Due to the massive turnout, the viewing was later shifted to Kasarani Stadium to accommodate the growing numbers of mourners. The event, which was expected to start at noon, only began past 4 p.m. and extended late into the night.
Officials say the logistical changes are meant to ensure Raila’s body remains preserved and secure before its transfer to Kisumu, where thousands more are waiting to pay their last respects ahead of the official Raila Odinga State Funeral.
Crowd Trouble and Injuries During the Viewing
Despite the deep respect and mourning atmosphere, the public viewing events have not been without chaos. At the Moi International Sports Centre, where the first public viewing was held, tension escalated as crowds tried to push through the gates before the event officially began.
Police resorted to firing teargas to control the swelling crowd, which led to several injuries. According to the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, about 100 people were treated for minor injuries sustained in the commotion.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that some mourners may have died in the chaos, although authorities have not released an official casualty count. Security at subsequent events was tightened, with more officers deployed at Nyayo Stadium to prevent a repeat of the earlier incidents.
The government later extended the public viewing period at Nyayo Stadium, allowing more Kenyans to pay their final respects before the casket is flown to Kisumu.
A Nation Awaits the Final Goodbye
The Raila Odinga State Funeral continues to draw immense national attention, with both local and international leaders expected to attend the final ceremony in Bondo.
The decision to keep the body at Lee Funeral Home overnight reflects the delicate balance between managing large crowds and maintaining dignity in the farewell arrangements.
Thousands are expected to follow Saturday’s airlift to Kisumu through live broadcasts and processions. In Kisumu, the body will lie in state before being transported to Bondo for the burial ceremony scheduled early next week.
Raila Odinga’s passing has united the country in grief and reflection. From the streets of Nairobi to the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenyans continue to honor the man many regard as a tireless defender of democracy, justice, and equality.
