The Hindu Council of Kenya has called on its members to tone down this year’s Diwali celebrations as a mark of respect for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 15, the council advised that the festival be observed in a more subdued manner to honour Raila’s memory.
“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the former Prime Minister of Kenya, Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, on 15th October 2025. His impactful leadership and dedication to the nation have left an enduring legacy that commands our deepest respect and reflection.
“The Hindu Council of Kenya respectfully advises all member institutions to observe the forthcoming Diwali festivities with restraint and decorum, tempering celebrations as a mark of tribute to the late leader’s memory,” the statement read.
The council urged all Hindu institutions and devotees across the country to avoid the use of fireworks and crackers during the mourning period.
“We would also request members to desist from using fireworks and crackers during this mourning period. We appreciate your understanding and support in honoring this significant national loss with dignity and sensitivity,” the statement added.
At the same time, the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development announced the postponement of the NYOTA Project verification exercise.
In a statement, Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni said the decision was necessitated by the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“The State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development wishes to inform the public, all Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, all applicants of the NYOTA project and other stakeholders, that the national verification exercise scheduled for Friday, 17th October 2025, across the 290 Constituencies, has been postponed,” she said.
Mang’eni explained that the ministry had taken into account the mood of the nation and the directive by President William Ruto declaring a mourning period until the day of Raila’s interment.
“This decision follows the untimely passing of the Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H., earlier today, and the Presidential Proclamation issued by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya, announcing a period of national mourning from today until sunset on the day of the late leader’s interment,” she added.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also announced the suspension of all league matches following the declaration of a national mourning period in honour of Raila.
FKF said it would respect the government directive and halt all ongoing football activities throughout the mourning period.
“Following the Government’s declaration of seven days of National Mourning in honour of the late former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has suspended all league fixtures scheduled during this period.
“We join the nation in mourning a great leader and a passionate supporter of Kenyan football. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement read.
