Govt Announces Change In Raila Odinga Funeral Programme, Again
The public viewing was originally set to conclude at 3 p.m., but PS Omollo assured mourners that anyone who hadn’t yet had a chance to view the body would still be allowed to do so.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo has announced that the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will now be airlifted to his Bondo home later today, instead of being transported by road as earlier scheduled.
In a Saturday, October 18, briefing outlining the day’s program, Omollo explained that the adjustment was made due to time constraints, noting that the public viewing is expected to extend into the late evening.
The public viewing was originally set to conclude at 3 p.m., but PS Omollo assured mourners that anyone who hadn’t yet had a chance to view the body would still be allowed to do so.
He added that talks were underway with the family to extend the exercise so everyone could participate.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo (centre) at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium - Mamboleo on October 18, 2025 ahead of Raila Odinga's burial. /RAYMOND OMOLLO
“From Mamboleo, Raila’s body will be flown to Bondo. By the time the viewing ends, it will be late to travel by road, and we need to get to Bondo before nightfall,” he explained.
Omollo made the remarks in Bondo, where he had gone to inspect ongoing preparations ahead of the body’s arrival later in the evening and the funeral set for Sunday.
He explained that the decision was reached jointly by the National Funeral Steering Committee and Odinga’s family to ensure the former Prime Minister is accorded a dignified farewell.
“The body of the former Prime Minister will be flown directly to Bondo. We want to make sure the transition from Kisumu to his home is done smoothly and respectfully,” Omollo said.
He noted that Sunday’s funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology will be presided over by President William Ruto and attended by leaders from across the region.
“Tomorrow, we will have the final burial ceremony that will have attendance from across the country and also from the region. His Excellency the President, President Ruto, will be leading those celebrations,” he stated.
The Odinga home has been bustling with activity as family members, including Mama Ida Odinga and Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, arrived ahead of the ceremony.
The family is expected to receive the body later today once the public viewing in Kisumu comes to an end.
