Murkomen issues update on preparations ahead of Raila Odinga’s burial
By Lutta Njomo, October 19, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued an update on preparations ahead of Raila Odinga’s burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
In a statement on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the CS informed the country that the government was satisfied with all the preparations ahead of the final farewell.
Murkomen stated that the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) ground, where the state funeral is expected to take place, was fully prepared to receive a host of leaders expected to throng the area.
He further indicated that all plans were in place to ensure that Raila is accorded a fitting burial in accordance with his will and the Luo traditions.
“We are also satisfied with the preparations for tomorrow’s State Funeral Service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds and Baba’s resting place at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi,” Murkomen stated.
Call for peace
At the same time, Murkomen challenged the hundreds of thousands of mourners expected to attend the burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, to maintain peace.
“As we continue to honour Baba’s extraordinary legacy, we urge all mourners to uphold peace and calm as a grateful nation comes together to bid our departed hero a dignified farewell tomorrow,” Murkomen pleaded.
Besides the preparations, Murkomen lauded the security teams on how they ensured a smooth viewing exercise in Kisumu Maomboleo Grounds and at Raila’s Opoda Farm.
Despite reports of stampede injuries, Murkomen praised the security teams for maintaining order during Raila’s farewell journey.
“I appreciate both the public and the security teams for working together to deliver a smooth viewing ceremony befitting a towering statesman,” Murkomen’s statement added.
Funeral Service
In a programme released by the committee chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the funeral ceremony will start from 9 am to 1 pm on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
“Tomorrow, the final interment ceremony will take place, starting with an interment service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University from 9.00 am until 1.00 pm, followed by committal, final prayers and military honours at the gravesite at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County,” Kindiki stated.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at his family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, following a night vigil at Opoda Farm.