Traffic snarl-ups are expected along Mombasa Road and adjoining routes as
the procession carrying the body of the late Raila Odinga makes its way from
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Lee Funeral Home.
The route change was confirmed by Homa Bay
Governor Gladys Wanga, who told mourners at JKIA that the procession would use
Mombasa Road instead of the Nairobi Expressway to allow Kenyans to pay their
last respects.
“We are going to use Mombasa Road and not the
Expressway so that you can escort the body,” Wanga said, addressing the crowd
that had gathered to receive the late leader’s body.
There were concerns among some of the mourners
gathered at the facility that they might not get a chance to escort the body.
Thousands of mourners are expected to line the highway.
From JKIA, the procession will head to Lee
Funeral Home and thereafter to Parliament Buildings for public viewing.
President William Ruto and other national
leaders are among those who have arrived to receive the body.
Police have heightened security along the
route to maintain order and ensure the smooth passage of the motorcade.
Raila,
who passed away Wednesday morning in India, is being accorded full state honors
in recognition of his immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy, reform, and
national unity. He will be laid to rest on Sunday.
