The High Court has ruled on a petition table to stop the burial ceremony of the former Prime Minister scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025.

In the ruling, the Court declined to issue a Conservatory Order stopping the burial ceremony.

The petitioner, Michael Onyango Otieno, has moved to court to block the “quick” burial of Raila Odinga, arguing that the late Raila’s wishes have not been respected or upheld.

He stated that to bury Raila within four days, as planned, denied the people the opportunity to give him a decent send-off for the 80 years he has served them as a leader.

“The arrangements do not factor in the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga’s stature as a huge adherent to the traditions of the Luo community, including aspects such as “tero yuak,” which is critical to the interment of men of the Luo descent,” read the petition in part.

“Consequently, to inter the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga’s caliber so quickly denies the general Luo Communities in Africa an opportunity to give him a befitting sendoff, which he religiously adored during his 80 years of life, particularly his adult life, and even more admirably as an icon and a political leader.”

Also Read: Maurice Ogeta, the Man Who Stood With Raila Until His Last Minutes

Court Ruling

The High Court has declined to issue conservatory orders sought to stop Raila Odinga’s burial, citing a lack of sufficient urgency in the petition.

Justice Mwita ruled that the applicant, Michael Onyango Otieno, failed to demonstrate that the burial process was being conducted contrary to the wishes of the late Raila Odinga.

“This matter is coming up for directions on the Notice of Motion and Petition, both dated 16th October 2025 before Honourable Justice Mwita, and upon considering the pleadings, I am not satisfied on the urgency of this matter. The applicant has not demonstrated that the process is being undertaken contrary to the wishes of the deceased to enable this court to act on the request for the conservatory orders,” the court ruled.

Raila Burial Plan of Events

Raila is set to be buried on Sunday, October 19, after a full state funeral at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, on Friday, October 17.

The government has declared Friday a public holiday in honour of Raila.

According to the plans, the body will spend the night of Thursday, October 16, at Lee Funeral Home.

Also Read: Luo Traditions Observed Ahead of Raila Odinga’s Burial

On Friday, it will proceed to Kasarani Stadium for the State funeral and later be taken to his home in Karen to spend the night.

On Saturday, October 18, Raila’s remains will be flown to Kisumu for a public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.

The body will then proceed to his home in Bondo by road, where he will spend the night before the final rites and burial on Sunday.

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Raila Odinga speaking at past event. PHOTO/ NA