The government has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away while receiving treatment in India.
In a special gazette notice No. 15007 published on Thursday, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, made the declaration under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110).
“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 Amollo Odinga,” the notice stated.
A state funeral will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday as the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
The declaration comes as the country continues to mourn the veteran opposition leader and long-serving statesman, whose death has drawn tributes from across the political divide and beyond Kenya’s borders.
Flags across the country have been flying at half-mast since Wednesday, when news of Odinga’s passing was confirmed, while condolence books have been opened in government offices, embassies, and ODM party offices.
Preparations are underway to receive his body from India, with a national funeral committee expected to announce burial plans in consultation with the family.
The national holiday will provide Kenyans an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the late Prime Minister, who was widely regarded as a key champion of democracy, constitutional reform, and social justice.
Raila Odinga, 80, served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government formed after the disputed 2007 presidential election. He was also a five-time presidential contender and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Interior CS Murkomen said the government would continue to work closely with the Odinga family to ensure a dignified send-off befitting his status as a national leader.
The public holiday will be observed nationwide, with national and county flags continuing to fly at half-mast until the day of his burial.
