Live Updates: Raila Odinga’s Final Journey Back Home
Welcome to our live coverage as the late Raila Odinga’s body arrives in Kenya for a four-day national farewell programme. We will bring you every key moment from today, Thursday, October 16, as Kenyans from all walks of life gather to honour the fallen former Prime Minister.
Raila Odinga Farewell – Thursday, October 16, 2025
1:20 pm
A massive crowd has taken over Thika Road as mourners make their way on foot and by car toward the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where Raila Odinga’s body will be publicly viewed.
The funeral procession, which left JKIA earlier, is currently passing the Standard Group headquarters, slowly heading toward the Nairobi City Centre.
1:03 pm
Several top government officials have already arrived at Kasarani Stadium, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok, as preparations for the public viewing continue.
12:54 pm
The convoy carrying Raila Odinga’s body has joined the Nairobi Expressway from the Eastern Bypass. Thousands of mourners can be seen lining both Mombasa Road and the Expressway, walking alongside the hearse.
12:46 pm
The procession has made a brief stop at the Imara Daima area due to the overwhelming number of people attempting to get close to the motorcade.
12:33 pm
Crowds have already started entering the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The government earlier announced that the public viewing would take place at Kasarani instead of the Parliament Buildings due to the large turnout.
12:33 pm (Second Update)
An even larger wave of mourners has joined the funeral procession from JKIA, causing a complete standstill on the city-bound lane of Mombasa Road. The convoy is moving slowly to allow people to pay their respects.
12:17 pm
Police officers and members of the public are gathered around Lee Funeral Home, where Raila’s body is expected to be taken after leaving JKIA.
11:33 am
The government has announced changes to the funeral programme. The public viewing scheduled for Saturday in Kisumu has been relocated from Moi Stadium to Mamboleo Stadium.
11:20 am
Due to the uncontrollable crowd outside Parliament, the government has diverted the public viewing venue to Kasarani Stadium. Thousands had already gathered outside the Parliament precincts, while many more followed the body from JKIA.
10:58 am
The entrance to Parliament Road is completely blocked as thousands of citizens force their way into the area. MPs and security officers are trying to calm down the emotional crowds.
10:33 am
The hearse carrying Raila Odinga’s body is now exiting the JKIA VIP area. Thousands of mourners breached the VIP gates to escort the convoy.
9:39 am
Kenya Airways flight KQ 203, which transported Raila’s body from India, has officially landed at JKIA. The aircraft was given a special code name, RAO001, in honour of the late leader.
9:16 am
President William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta are at JKIA alongside Mama Ida Odinga, her children, and a host of political leaders to receive Raila Odinga’s body.
9:05 am
The ODM Executive Council has appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the acting party leader following the death of Raila Odinga. A final decision will be made later by the top party organ.
8:55 am
Kenya Airways has officially renamed flight KQ 203 to RAO001 as it entered Kenyan airspace, marking the final journey of the former Prime Minister.
8:33 am
Security has been reinforced at JKIA as thousands of Kenyans flock to receive Raila’s body. From the airport, the procession will proceed to Lee Funeral Home before moving to Parliament for the lying-in-state ceremony.
7:41 am
The late Raila Odinga’s body is expected to land at JKIA at 9:30 am, where it will be received by President Ruto, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, and members of Raila’s family.
7:28 am
The government has officially declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday in honour of Raila Odinga’s legacy and national service.
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