A sea of white handkerchiefs filled Nyayo Stadium on Friday morning as thousands of Kenyans gathered to celebrate and honour the life of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Despite the chilly Nairobi weather, mourners braved the morning cold, streaming into the stadium from dawn to secure seats for the State Funeral scheduled to begin at 9 am.
The crowd, made up of ordinary citizens, was met by heightened security, with officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) and military personnel maintaining order inside and outside the venue.
As music and hymns filled the air, the stadium came alive when mourners rose to their feet, waving white handkerchiefs in unison.
The sight of thousands of fluttering cloths created a powerful visual tribute that resonated with the symbolism of peace, farewell and collective memory.
Many participants also waved Kenyan flags, intertwining national pride with personal grief.
It became both a celebratory gesture and a symbol of solidarity with his vision of justice, unity and reform.
The gesture took on a deeper meaning, transforming into a final farewell to a leader who shaped the country’s democratic journey.
Spectators in the stands could be seen singing, clapping and even dancing to the songs played by the band as they waved their handkerchiefs sideways.
The moment blended grief with celebration, reflecting Raila’s own life — a story marked by struggle, resilience and unyielding hope.
Thousands of security personnel were deployed to ensure safety during the State Funeral of the former Prime Minister.
Police said up to 10,000 officers had been mobilised and deployed in and around the stadium to maintain order.
Nairobi's head of traffic operations, Joseph Chirchir, announced that roads near the stadium would be closed to enhance movement and security.
He advised motorists to use alternative routes from Bunyala Road to the city centre.
The personnel deployed included officers from the GSU, the military, and other special units to ensure that only those arriving by 8 a.m. were allowed into the stadium.
Those who arrived late were turned away and asked to wait until 3 p.m., when another viewing session would be allowed.
Earlier on Friday morning, Raila’s body was taken to Parliament, where Members of Parliament and selected dignitaries viewed it.
The body is expected to remain in Parliament for a short period before being moved to Nyayo National Stadium, where a national funeral service will be conducted by the Anglican Church of Kenya.
