The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has announced that all Kenyan diplomatic missions around the world will open condolence books in honour of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the ministry stated that the condolence books will be available for signing from Friday, October 17, to Wednesday, October 22, 2025, allowing Kenyans abroad and members of the diplomatic community to pay their respects.
A separate condolence book will also be opened at the State Department of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, where members of the Diplomatic Corps have been invited to sign. This gesture underscores the profound national and international impact of Raila’s political journey and leadership.
The announcement comes as the body of the late Prime Minister is expected to arrive in the country on Thursday morning at around 9:30 a.m. Raila, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, died on Wednesday in India following a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment.
President William Ruto has declared a seven-day national mourning period and announced that Raila will be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours. All national flags are flying at half-mast, and Friday has been declared a public holiday in his honour.
In his address to the nation, President Ruto described Raila as “a towering statesman whose courage and vision shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.”
To oversee the funeral arrangements, President Ruto appointed a high-level committee co-chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother. The committee will coordinate all aspects of the State Funeral, including national mourning protocols and memorial services.
The late Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Bondo home, next to his mother, Mary Juma, fulfilling his personal wish.
