4-Day Long Weekend For Kenyans After Govt Declares Public Holiday

The government has designated Friday, October 17, as a public holiday to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the declaration in an official gazette notice issued on the morning of Thursday, October 16.

"In exercise of powers conferred in Section 3 of the Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, October 17, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the former Prime Minister Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga," the gazette notice read. 

The development means Kenyans are set for an even longer weekend, given that Mashujaa Day is set for Monday, October 20, which is automatically a public holiday.

The late Raila Odinga with CS Kipchumba Murkomen. /FILE

Further, this is the second long weekend in a row after the country marked Mazingira Day on Friday, October 10. 

Raila passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at a private hospital in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala, India, at the age of 80. Following his death, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning.

CS Murkomen stated earlier that the government would collaborate closely with the Odinga family to ensure Raila receives a dignified and fitting farewell.

The national holiday declared for Friday is intended to give Kenyans from all backgrounds a moment to honour and reflect on the life and legacy of a man widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s political history.

Since Wednesday, flags across the country—including those at State House—have been flying at half-mast, and all government activities have been suspended to allow for a period of national mourning.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki revealed that Raila had expressed a wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing, which likely influenced the government’s decision to declare the public holiday on Friday.

“The family informed us that it was Raila’s desire to be buried as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours,” Kindiki stated.

Raila’s body has since landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m., where it was received by President William Ruto and close members of the Odinga family.

Security around JKIA was intensified ahead of the arrival, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) set to take charge of proceedings once the plane lands.

Heavy contingent of anti-riot police officers at JKIA as hundreds of supporters gather awaiting the arrival of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/Avhg7PZx4n — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) October 16, 2025

According to the official farewell programme, Raila will be accorded a State Funeral on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo Stadium, in a ceremony expected to draw local and international dignitaries.

After arrival, his body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament Buildings, where it will lie in state for public viewing.

Raila Odinga will ultimately be laid to rest at his family’s home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, beside the graves of his late son Fidel and his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.