Raila Odinga’s body to leave Mamboleo for Bondo by road
By Faith Lagat, October 18, 2025Raila Odinga’s body will be transported by road to Bondo later today after a public viewing at Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu on October 18, 2025.
The military jet carrying the body of the veteran opposition leader is currently en route to Kisumu International Airport, where it is expected to touch down.
This marks one of the final legs of the national farewell for the former Prime Minister, who died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India.
Security tightened
Preparations for the arrival were finalised on Friday, with the Kenya Defence Forces tasked with airlifting the body from Nairobi to Kisumu. According to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the funeral planning committee, members of the public were urged to be seated by 7:00 am to dignify the arrival. Once the body lands, it will be taken to Mamboleo Grounds for public viewing.
Security operations have been intensified in Kisumu and Bondo, with coordination between national security agencies, local leaders, and volunteers. Roads leading to Mamboleo have been cleared and secured, while thousands of mourners from the Nyanza region and other parts of the country are expected to gather for the viewing. Authorities have appealed for order and early arrival to ensure smooth proceedings throughout the day.
Viewing and road procession
The body will lie in state at Mamboleo Grounds for public viewing for most of the day. Residents will be allowed to file past the casket, which will be draped in the national flag, to pay their final respects. Later in the afternoon, the casket will be transported by road to Bondo in Siaya County under full state honours, accompanied by security escorts and a formal convoy.
The journey marks Raila’s final return home ahead of the burial scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. The convoy is expected to draw large crowds along the route as mourners line up to bid farewell.
Burial site clarified
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has, however, clarified reports regarding the burial site, dismissing claims that Raila would be buried beside his father contrary to his will. He stated that the late leader expressed his wish to be laid to rest at Kang’o Kajaramogi in Nyamira, where both his parents, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Juma Odinga, are buried.
Oburu confirmed that after the viewing in Kisumu, the body will spend the night in Bondo before the final burial ceremony. The event is expected to draw thousands of mourners and dignitaries from Kenya and abroad.
“Tomorrow we’ll be moving home, and Sunday will be a day to give the final send-off,” Oburu told mourners. He thanked Kenyans for their solidarity, saying Raila’s memory will live on through the ideals he championed: justice, equality, and freedom.