Kisumu ready to receive Raila’s body for public viewing — officials outline final plans

Interior PS Raymond Omollo, accompanied by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on October 17, 2025./AITH MATETE

Preparations have been finalised ahead of the public viewing of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga’s body in Kisumu on Saturday, with county and national officials assuring residents of smooth coordination, security, and order during the solemn exercise.

Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Friday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the body of the late former Prime Minister is expected to arrive at the stadium by 8 a.m., urging members of the public to begin arriving as early as 7 a.m.

“The viewing will take place here at the stadium. We expect the body to arrive by 8 a.m., and the public should start streaming in by 7 a.m. There will be no speeches, only a short prayer by the clergy before the viewing begins,” said Omollo.

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o accompanied by Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, and City manager Abala Wanga, during the final inspection of the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, where the viewing of the late former Prime Minister's body, Raila Odinga, will be held./FAITH MATETE

He added that the viewing will continue until around 2:30 p.m. or latest 3:00 p.m., after which the body will be moved to Bondo, at the Odinga family home in Opoda Farm, for an overnight stay.

Omollo emphasised that the arrangements have been approved by the National Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who hosted the briefing, urged residents to maintain peace and decorum during the viewing exercise, describing it as a solemn moment of reflection and respect.

“Tomorrow is not a day for celebration or merrymaking; it is a mourning occasion,” Nyong’o said.

He added, “We request our people to come early. Marshals will guide mourners on how to line up so that everyone gets a chance to view Baba’s body before leaving.”

Interior PS Raymond Omollo, accompanied by Kisumu Governor Anyang’Nyong'o and Eddy Oketch, Migori senator, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo./FAITH MATETE

The governor clarified that there will be no speeches or rallies, only an opportunity for residents to pay their final respects before the body proceeds to Bondo.

“We appeal to everyone to make this a decent and honourable farewell to our leader. Please spread the message so that no one misses the chance to bid goodbye to the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga,” Nyong’o added.

On logistical questions, Nyong’o confirmed that the body will be flown directly to the stadium, not through the airport as earlier speculated. From the stadium, it will later travel by road to Bondo.

Call for Peace and Discipline PS Omollo reiterated the need for discipline among mourners, noting that emotions are high but appealing for calm and cooperation.

“We are working closely with ODM’s protocol team, local leadership, and security officers. The most important thing is for people to maintain peace and order even better than what we witnessed at Kasarani,” he said.

He assured that the gates at the venue would be open early enough to accommodate the expected large crowds.

The governor thanked Kenyans for maintaining peace throughout the mourning period and expressed optimism that the Kisumu viewing and final burial in Bondo on Sunday would be conducted with dignity.

“We are calling on all of us to be peaceful so that the dignity of this mourning process is not watered down,” Nyong’o said.

The late Raila Amollo Odinga’s body will lie in state for public viewing in Kisumu before being taken to his rural home in Opoda, Bondo, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025.