President William Ruto has on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, announced the formation of a national funeral committee to coordinate the burial arrangements of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marking the beginning of an elaborate state farewell for one of Kenya’s most influential leaders.

According to the President, the committee will be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother. The team will oversee all plans related to the return of Raila’s body from India and the national funeral arrangements to follow.

“The committee is to be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and has been set up to coordinate the funeral arrangements,” said President Ruto.

He added that the Government of India, following a formal request from Kenya, had offered to assist in bringing home Raila’s remains. “At the same time, the government of India, at the request of the government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of the former Prime Minister,” he said.

The President announced that a delegation comprising senior government officials and members of Raila’s family is leaving for India to ensure the process is handled with the dignity and respect befitting a national figure.

“A delegation comprising government officials and family members led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is leaving immediately for India to facilitate proper organisation in the repatriation of the remains of our brother Raila Odinga,” President Ruto stated.

The delegation will include Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen, Hassan Joho, and other ministers, alongside National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed. Members of the Odinga family, led by Mama Ida Odinga, will also accompany the team.

Raila Odinga’s passing has sent a wave of grief across the nation, uniting Kenyans across political divides in mourning a man many describe as the symbol of Kenya’s democratic struggle. His life of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering belief in national unity has continued to inspire messages of condolence from both local and global leaders.

As the delegation heads to India and the funeral committee begins its work, Kenya now turns its focus to giving Raila Odinga a fitting state farewell, one that reflects his towering contribution to the country’s history and democracy.