You Didn't View Raila Odinga's Body Today? Kindiki Announces Second Chance
On Thursday, crowds of Kenyans gathered at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, with the public viewing stretching late into the night.
Marvin Chege 
Mourners will get another chance to view Raila Odinga’s body and pay their respects on Friday, October 17.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who co-chairs the National Funeral Committee, announced during a Thursday evening briefing, confirming that the viewing will begin at around midday.
“There will be a public viewing after the State event tomorrow. Mourners will get a second opportunity from noon to as far as possible, to allow as many Kenyans as possible to pay their last respects,” Kindiki said.
On Thursday, crowds of Kenyans gathered at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, with the public viewing stretching late into the night.
President William Ruto pays his last respects to the late Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium on October 16, 2025. /PCS
However, due to logistical setbacks, the body arrived at the venue later than expected — around 4 p.m. — meaning the viewing didn’t begin until approximately 5:30 p.m. Some mourners, tired of the long wait, were already seen leaving before the event began.
As a result, the funeral committee is considering offering another opportunity for those who missed out to view the body. The next official briefing is scheduled for tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., where more updates on the funeral arrangements will be provided.
Oburu Odinga, the committee’s co-chair, was absent from the briefing as he was in Siaya and was represented by his sister, Dr. Akinyi Wenwa, alongside other family members.
State Funeral
The committee confirmed that several heads of state and foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Raila’s Requiem Mass at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
The state funeral is set to begin at 8 a.m. and conclude by midday, after which the public viewing will commence.
Also Read: When Raila Odinga Will Be Buried [SCHEDULE]
On Wednesday, the committee revealed that Raila had expressed a wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
"We have been advised as a committee by the family that it was the wish of Raila to be buried as soon as possible, and the family has informed us that the timeline is 72 hours," Kindiki said.
Although the 72-hour mark from Raila’s passing technically falls on Saturday, Kindiki noted that “adjustments had to be made to accommodate unforeseen logistics” — including the fact that he passed away abroad, which required time for repatriation.
After Friday’s memorial service and public viewing, Raila’s body will be flown to Kisumu on Saturday morning. Another public viewing will take place at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.
Finally, on Sunday, a funeral service will be held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University before Raila is laid to rest at the family home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
Grave digging begins at Raila Odinga’s ancestral home, Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/qkv0FDnTPQ — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) October 16, 2025
