Kenya: Friday Declared Public Holiday in Honour of Late Prime Minister Raila Odinga

By Lapit Moses Punyuah- Nairobi, Kenya

The Government of Kenya has officially declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday in honour of the late Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.

In a special issue of the Kenya Gazette, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the declaration, stating that the decision was made under the provisions of Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110).

“It is notified for the general information of the public that Friday, the 17th of October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” read the notice signed by CS Murkomen.

The public holiday will allow Kenyans across the nation to mourn and celebrate the life and legacy of the veteran opposition leader and statesman, whose impact on Kenya’s democracy and governance spanned decades.

Raila Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours, with the national funeral service scheduled for Friday at Nyayo Stadium, where leaders, dignitaries, and citizens are expected to gather for the solemn ceremony.