The government has declared Friday, October 17, a national holiday to allow Kenyans mourn the death of former Prime Minister (PM) Raila Odinga.
The announcement was made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in a gazette notice issued on Thursday.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday the 17th October 2025 shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” read the notice.
The holiday coincides with Odinga’s state funeral service planned for the same day and will be held at the Nyayo stadium.
According to the National Funeral Committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, the state function will be attended by many dignitaries including foreign heads of state.
A provisional funeral programme released by the committee indicates that Friday activities will begin with a military conducted procession of the body from the Lee Funeral Home to the stadium, and later move to Odinga’s Karen residence for an overnight stay.
Same Friday was scheduled for KCSE rehearsals and invigilators, supervisors and centre managers were to avail themselves to ensure preparations are made before the national exams.
Knec is expected to issue a new directive that align with the changes.
At the same time teachers unions have continued to pour their condolences messages following the demise of the right honorable Raila Odinga.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) secretary general Collins Oyuu released the following condolence message.
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TOWARDS THE PASSING ON OF I-I.E. RT. HON. RAILA AMOLLO ODINGA:
The Kenya National Union of Teachers has learnt with profound shock the passing on of His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, Former Prime Minister and Leader of the Orange Democratic Party.
Raila Odinga has been the beacon of peace and the source of hope for the Kenyan people not only in political leadership but also in championing for the rights of the less privileged people in the society.
The Hon. Odinga will specifically be remembered for;
1) Standing in and being the father of Devolution;
2) Supporting the Kenya National Union of Teachers in pushing for making TSC a constitutional commission under the 2010 Kenya constitution;
3) He was among very few Kenyan leaders who recognized trade unions as critical and crucial links between workers, employers and government;
4) Hon Odinga always championed the fight for the rights of workers and independence of trade unions in Kenya;
5) He was at the forefront of fighting for reforms in the education sector so that the Kenyan education is in tandem with the 21 st century education agenda which gave birth to the UN-2030 Educational Agenda;
6) Raila Odinga fought for better terms and conditions of service of teachers and ensured enhanced work environment;
7) Raila Odinga was largely associated in issuing bursaries, scholarships and establishment of educational institutions across the country to cater for children from disadvantaged backgrounds;
8) The Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga contributed immensely in calming political tension before, during and after elections which has helped restore peace in Kenya.
Kenya has lost a great son who stood for humanity and gave the rest of his life to serve the nation.
On behalf of the National Executive Council of KNUT, the entire leadership of teachers, all teachers of Kenya; I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family members, relatives, friends, political leaders and the Kenyan population
We pray that God wiIl rest his soul in Eternal Perpetuity.
COLLINS OYUU
SECRETARY GENERAL K.N.U.T.