Friday declared a public holiday in honour of Raila Odinga

The Kenyan government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late Orange Democratic Movement leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment in India.

In a gazzette notice dated October 16, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated, "It is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares 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. Dated the 16th October, 2025," read CS Murkomen's notice.

Odinga who passed away at the the age of 80 years, will be interred on Sunday, a day before Mashujaa Day celebrations.

President William Ruto declared that no government official, including himself, will fly Kenyan flag on their vehicles during this mourning period.

Kenyan flag at State House, police stations, schools and diplomatic missions shall be flown at half-mast during the mourning period until when the former PM will be laid to rest.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday evening gave a detailed chronology of events on how the flight ferrying Odinga's body will arrive in Kenya from India this morning and is to be received by Dr Ruto.