It was no ordinary day at the Nyayo National Stadium. The air was thick with emotion as thousands of Kenyans gathered to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The wails began in earnest the moment the flag-draped casket entered the stadium. Cries of “Baaaba! Jowi!” pierced the air as mourners struggled to contain their grief.
White handkerchiefs waved in the air, many dabbing tears from faces streaked with sorrow.
Some stood and clapped, others fell to their knees, overcome by emotion as the solemn procession made its way into the stadium.
“Baba, why are you leaving us?” a mourner cried out as the crowd broke into loud lamentations, their voices blending into one powerful chorus of loss.
Whistles and vuvuzelas sounded intermittently a mix of mourning and celebration for a man many saw as a symbol of resilience and hope.
The casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was carried in a slow ceremonial lap around the stadium as thousands watched in silence, their tears flowing freely.
Mourners followed behind, some clutching miniature flags, others singing freedom songs that defined Raila’s long political journey.
As the choir sang solemn hymns, priests and officials led the procession, their measured steps matching the rhythm of the music.
The faithful and the heartbroken rose to their feet, heads bowed in respect.
The chants, songs, and cries blended into a single emotional moment a nation mourning its son, a leader who had fought, fallen, and risen with his people.
"Uuuuui! Waaaah! the chants could be heard as some people could not restrain themselves from mourning.
The state funeral ceremony featured prayers, military honours and musical tributes celebrating Raila’s political legacy and contribution to democracy.
Performances from various choirs and cultural groups mourned with reflection, marking a rare moment of unity in Kenya’s political landscape.
Security was heightened across the capital, with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, and National Youth Service (NYS) personnel manning key intersections.
Entry to the stadium has been tightly controlled, with attendees screened through multiple checkpoints.
