A section of Kenyans on social media platform X is calling for October 15 to be declared an annual public holiday in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The calls have emerged as Kenya prepares to mark the first anniversary of Odinga's death, with his supporters arguing that October 15 should become an annual day to celebrate his contribution to the country.
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India at the age of 80. According to reports, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk and was taken to Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, where efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. His death was confirmed by the hospital, and President William Ruto subsequently declared seven days of national mourning.
The Kenyan government had previously declared October 17, 2025, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mourn Odinga following his death. However, that was a one-off holiday and did not establish October 15 as an annual public holiday. Kenya's Constitution recognises Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day, and Jamhuri Day as national days that are also public holidays, but Parliament can enact legislation providing for additional public holidays.
Several Kenyans on social media have expressed support for making October 15 a public holiday. One X user, @anney_odida, said she had previously called for October 15 to be made a holiday, stating "I said this one time. They should give us a holiday on 15th of October every year buana." @Dr_AustinOmondi similarly wrote: "October 15th should be a national holiday for the father of democracy in Kenya."
President William Ruto's administration has proposed renaming Kisumu International Airport after Raila Odinga and confirmed plans to rename Talanta Stadium in his honour. Ruto said the proposed honours were meant to recognise Odinga's contribution to Kenya and described his decision to rename the stadium as an expression of respect for the late former prime minister.
Raila Odinga's family has established a National Steering Committee to coordinate activities marking his first anniversary. The commemorations are scheduled to run from October 10 to 17, with the committee inviting Kenyans and institutions to submit proposals on how they would like to honour his life and legacy.
The renewed calls for a public holiday come as Kenyans prepare to mark the first anniversary of Odinga's death. His supporters argue that October 15 should become an annual day to celebrate his contribution to the country, and several Kenyans have expressed support for the idea on social media, with some stating that the country has been through difficult times and deserves the holiday.
Key points
- Kenyans are calling for October 15 to be declared an annual public holiday in honour of Raila Odinga.
- Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80.
- President William Ruto's administration has proposed renaming Kisumu International Airport and Talanta Stadium after Raila Odinga.
