Crowds are currently building at the Moi International
Sports Centre, Kasarani in anticipation of the public viewing of the body of former
Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The viewing was initially schedule to take place at the
Parliament buildings but changed after huge and impatient supporters turned
out.
Soon after it was officially announced that the public
viewing will now take place at Kasarani, supporters who had gathered around the
city centre and parliament changed course.
“Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the
body of HE Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament buildings to
Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
“Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani
where they shall have enough space and time to view the body,” ODM Director of
Communications Philip Etale announced.
Several high profile leaders have arrived at the venue,
waiting for the arrival of Raila’s body.
President William Ruto is also expected to take part in the
viewing.
The procession is on the way to Kasarani from the Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport, accompanied by supporters who are mourning
their leader.
Initial arrangements to move the body from Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA) to Lee Funeral Home for final preparations before
being taken to Parliament Buildings for public viewing were abandoned amid
escalating crowd trouble.
Military officials and morticians who had been stationed at
Lee Funeral Home to receive and prepare the body were instead instructed to
head to Kasarani, where the process will now take place.
Raila’s body arrived on Thursday morning from India, where
died following a cardiac arrest.
He was receiving treatment at the time of his death.
Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket was received by
President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga, as the nation welcomed home the
remains of the man widely regarded as the father of devolution and a pillar of
democratic struggle.
The body was received with military honours before being
placed on the gun carriage for transport to Lee Funeral Home under tight
security.
Aboard the plane carrying Raila’s body was a high-level
delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
They included Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy
Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Migori Senator
Eddy Oketch.
From the Odinga family, EALA MP Winnie Odinga was present, alongside
her aunt Ruth Odinga.
The late Prime Minister will receive a state funeral with
full honors as declared by Ruto, with a national committee co-chaired by Deputy
President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga overseeing the
arrangements.
According to Raila’s Will, he wished to be buried within 72
hours of his death.
