Kenyans throng JKIA to receive the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body / PCS
President William Ruto has expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans for turning up in large numbers to receive the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The President described the act as the outpouring of love and a powerful reflection of national unity and shared grief.
In an emotional message on Thursday, President Ruto said he was moved by the thousands who thronged the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to pay their last respects to Raila.
The President hailed him as the most consequential figure in the Kenyan democratic journey.
“The Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga returned home to us this morning. Together with Mama Ida Odinga, my brother and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other leaders, I had the honour of receiving him as he begins his final journey among his people, the nation he so dearly loved and faithfully served,” he said.
Later in the evening, the President joined mourners at Kasarani, where Raila’s body was placed for public viewing.
The event drew a massive crowd of men, women, and children from all walks of life, many waving flags and carrying flowers in silent tribute.
Ruto thanked Kenyans for their overwhelming show of affection, saying the turnout was a testament to Raila Odinga’s enduring connection with ordinary Kenyans.
“Standing among his people, I was deeply moved by the sea of faces, men, women, and children united in grief, gratitude, and pride for a life that touched us all. I thank you, fellow citizens, for turning out in great numbers to welcome Hon Odinga home,” Ruto said.
“The outpouring of love and affection you have shown is a powerful reminder that he was, to the very end, a man of the people devoted, selfless, and true to the ideals of our Republic,” he added.
President William Ruto pays last respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga / PCS Raila’s body arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning
ahead of the national farewell events scheduled in his honour.
Thousands of mourners gathered at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi to view the body of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
The viewing ceremony was led by President William Ruto, who arrived alongside Mama Ida Odinga and members of the Odinga family.
Before the public viewing, Raila's body was prepared inside the VIP Lounge holding room at the stadium. Embalming experts from Lee Funeral Home and pathologists were present during the exercise.
Initially, the process was to be conducted at Lee Funeral Home, but it was later done at Kasarani due to logistical reasons.
The body was also dressed in new attire and placed in a new coffin ahead of the ceremony. After the preparations, prayers were held with family members and national leaders surrounding the body in solemn reflection.
