The public viewing of Raila Amolo Odinga’s body has been moved from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, after thousands of mourners flooded the capital to pay their final respects. The National Committee announced the change early Thursday, citing overwhelming crowds that made it impossible to proceed with the original plan.
By midmorning, a sea of supporters had surrounded Parliament, forcing Members of Parliament to intervene. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna were seen climbing the Parliament gates in an effort to calm the charged crowd. Security officers struggled to maintain order as mourners insisted on seeing the late statesman one last time.
The massive turnout mirrored the chaotic scenes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when Raila’s body arrived from India. The airport gates were breached, and mourners spilled onto the runway, disrupting official proceedings as President William Ruto and his delegation attempted to receive the body.
Roads leading to Lee Funeral Home were also jammed with mourners, further slowing the procession. According to the schedule released by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Raila Odinga will be accorded a four-day state funeral with full honours.
A national funeral service will take place on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, with dignitaries and world leaders expected to attend. The body will then rest overnight at Raila’s Karen home before being flown to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium on Saturday. Later, the procession will move by road to Bondo, where Raila will be laid to rest in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
Modester Nasimiyu
