October 19, 2025
President William Ruto, on Wednesday, October 15, announced that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral following his death in India.
At the same time, President Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the Kenyan flag will fly at half-mast across the country and at all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad.
Odinga, 80, died in India on Wednesday morning after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest and collapsing during a morning walk within the premises of an Ayurvedic hospital. His death has drawn messages of condolence from leaders across the world, and Kenyans are now asking: What exactly is a State Funeral — and who qualifies for one?
What a State Funeral Means in Kenya
A State Funeral is the highest official honor that a government can bestow upon a citizen after death. It is a ceremonial farewell accorded to statesmen and women who have made outstanding contributions to the nation.
Such funerals are characterized by strict protocol, military honors, and national symbolism. They typically feature religious observances, military participation, and other elements of pomp that mark the deceased’s public service and stature.
However, while the traditions surrounding State Funerals are well established, Kenya lacks a single law that codifies who qualifies and how such ceremonies should be conducted.
This legal gap has led to inconsistencies in the past — with differences in the level of honors, lying-in-state duration, and ceremonial protocols across various state funerals.
Who Qualifies for a State Funeral
Under current practice, only a sitting or retired Head of State is automatically entitled to a State Funeral.
Others, including senior government officials, national heroes, or public figures, must have their send-off authorized by the National Defence Council, chaired by the Defence Cabinet Secretary.
In most cases, the President declares a State Funeral through a presidential proclamation. The same proclamation also announces a national mourning period and directs flags to be flown at half-mast.
Legal experts have in the past called for legislation or constitutional amendments to harmonize the criteria and procedures for state funerals. Some have proposed that the National Heroes Act (2013) be expanded to include clear funeral honors for individuals who have served the nation with distinction.
How a State Funeral Is Conducted
A State Funeral in Kenya follows a highly organized ceremonial sequence:
- Presidential Proclamation — The President formally announces the State Funeral and mourning period.
- Body Viewing — The body is placed at a public venue, usually the Parliament Buildings, to allow Kenyans to pay their last respects.
- Military Honors — Full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, are accorded to serving or former Heads of State. Other figures may receive honors depending on Defence Council authorization.
- Religious and Cultural Observances — Services are conducted in line with the deceased’s faith and cultural background.
- Burial Ceremony — The funeral may be declared a national event, occasionally accompanied by a public holiday to enable public participation.
Presidents Accorded State Funerals
The tradition of State Funerals in Kenya dates back to August 22, 1978, when founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta died at State House, Mombasa.
His body lay in state for ten days as the nation observed a 30-day mourning period. The military accorded him full honors, including a 21-gun salute, as his body was taken through the streets of Nairobi to its final resting place at the Kenyatta Mausoleum.
Subsequent Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki also received full State Funerals, each marked by elaborate ceremonies, lying-in-state at Parliament Buildings, and military processions.
Non-Presidents Accorded State Funerals
Kenya has also extended State or national funerals to several distinguished individuals beyond the presidency, including:
- Michael Kijana Wamalwa (2003) – Former Vice President, honored with a state burial following his service in government.
- Prof. Wangari Maathai (2011) – Nobel Peace Prize laureate, given a State Funeral by President Mwai Kibaki; her remains were later cremated at Kariokor in accordance with her wishes.
- Lucy Kibaki (2016) – Former First Lady, laid to rest in a State Burial in Othaya, Nyeri.
- Mukami Kimathi (2023) – Widow of Mau Mau hero Dedan Kimathi, honored by President Ruto for her role in Kenya’s liberation struggle.
- General Francis Ogolla (2024) – Former Chief of Defence Forces, accorded a State Funeral after dying in a helicopter crash.
- Kelvin Kiptum (2024) – World marathon record-holder, honored posthumously by the government.
- Phoebe Asiyo (2025) – Veteran women’s rights activist and former MP, recognized for her lifelong advocacy for equality and public service.
Calls for Legal Clarity
The absence of a clear legal framework continues to fuel debate.
Some experts argue that Kenya should formally legislate the procedures for State Funerals to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in how the country honors its heroes.
“Codifying the process would remove political discretion and guarantee equal treatment for all deserving citizens,” says constitutional lawyer Prof. Mutemi Njonjo.
“A dedicated State Honours and Funerals Act could ensure that national recognition is consistent and depoliticized.”
For now, however, the decision remains entirely with the President, exercised on behalf of the nation to honor individuals who have left an enduring mark on Kenya’s history.
A Final Farewell
With President Ruto’s declaration, Raila Odinga joins the ranks of Kenya’s most celebrated leaders to receive a State Funeral.
As preparations continue for his final send-off in Bondo, Kenyans reflect not only on his legacy but also on the need to define how the nation formally honors its greatest sons and daughters.
