Ruto arrives at Parliament buildings ahead of Raila’s State funeral
By Luke Oluoch, October 17, 2025President William Ruto has arrived at the Parliamentary Building in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the third day of mourning for Raila Odinga, which includes a scheduled state funeral at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Ruto made his way to the buildings amid a high security of elite officers manning the premises, a day after a surge in crowds forced a change of plans on the public viewing of Raila Odinga’s remains, which was initially scheduled to take place at the venue.
The function was later rescheduled to the Kasarani Stadium.
Parliamentary leadership
The president and his spouse, along with parliamentary leadership, led by the speaker of both houses, Moses Wetang’ula, and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi, proceeded to a behind-closed-door session.
Other leaders present at the event include the house leadership from both the majority and minority sides: Aaron Cheruiyot(Senate majority), Kimani Ichungw’ah(National Assembly Majority), Junet Mohammed (National Assembly Minority), Chief Justice Martha Koome, among others.
Narok senator Ledam OleKina, ODM national Chairperson and Home Bay Governor, Glady Wanga.
Raila’s State Burial
Ruto’s arrival comes after Raila’s body was moved to Parliament to lie in state.
The event precedes a planned procession of the former Prime Minister’s remains to the Nyayo National Stadium for a State Funeral set to begin at exactly 9:00 am.
It will feature a requiem mass led by the Anglican Church of Kenya, full military honours, and tributes from local and international leaders, including heads of state. A public viewing of his body will follow the service, allowing mourners to pay their respects.
On Thursday, Deputy president Kithure Kindiki announced that after the two-hour ceremony, members of the public will again have a chance to view Raila’s body at Nyayo Stadium. The public viewing will begin at noon and continue into the afternoon to allow as many Kenyans as possible to pay their last respects.
“There will be a public viewing of the remains of Raila Odinga after the State event, and therefore those who want to continue mourning our departed leader have no cause to worry. We will stretch the opportunity from around 12 noon to as far as possible to give the highest number of mourners an opportunity to mourn and pay last respects to their departed leader,” Kindiki said.
Additionally, the DP confirmed that several foreign heads of state and government officials had already arrived in the country for the funeral. The dignitaries are expected to join Kenyans at Nyayo Stadium to pay their final respects to the former Prime Minister.