Military police on Thursday morning dismantled and relocated the lying-in-state platform that had been set up to receive the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The decision followed scenes of chaos at Parliament Buildings, which were overwhelmed by thousands of mourners who had gathered to pay their final respects.
Security officials said the crowds surged beyond control, breaching barriers and flooding the grounds, raising serious safety concerns.
Initially, the burial planning committee had announced that Raila’s body would lie in state at Parliament for public viewing before being returned to Lee Funeral Home for preservation.
However, the plan was changed after the situation at Parliament became untenable.
Sources within the organising team confirmed that the body will now be taken to Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani — a larger venue deemed more suitable for accommodating the massive crowds.
By midmorning, the procession carrying Raila’s body had left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where it arrived from India earlier in the day. The casket, draped in the national flag, was transported on a gun carriage in line with state funeral protocols.
Hundreds of mourners followed the slow-moving convoy along Mombasa Road, singing liberation songs and waving flags in tribute to the man many called “Baba.”
Raila Odinga died on Wednesday morning in India while undergoing treatment, reportedly from cardiac arrest.
President William Ruto has directed that he be accorded full state honours in recognition of his lifelong dedication to democracy, reform, and national unity.
The body of the late Raila Odinga will be laid on an orange-draped bed during public viewing — a symbolic gesture honouring the movement he led for decades.
According to officials familiar with the plans, the colour choice carries deep significance.
Orange is associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which Raila founded and led until his death.
The colour symbolism also follows a tradition established in previous state funerals.
The late President Daniel Moi lay on a blue-draped bed, reflecting his signature blue standard, while former President Mwai Kibaki was laid on a white-draped bed, symbolising his white standard.
For Raila, organisers say the orange theme captures the spirit of resilience, courage, and unity that defined his life and political career.
“The choice of colours at state funerals serves as both a tribute and a reflection of the leaders’ personal and political philosophies. For Raila, orange could not have been more fitting,” said an official.
A presidential standard is a special flag that represents the President.
