Raila's family arrives at Nyayo Stadium/SCREENGRABThe family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga have arrived at Nyayo Stadium on Friday morning for his state funeral, marking one of the most emotional moments of the day’s proceedings.
Dressed in black, the family’s sombre appearance reflected the deep grief they continue to endure following the loss of a man many Kenyans regarded as a father of the nation.
The late statesman’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, looked visibly shaken as she alighted from the family vehicle, supported closely by her daughter, Winnie Odinga, who walked beside her in solidarity.
Many mourners could be seen waving handkerchiefs and flags in a gesture of support as the family made their way to their seats at the VIP section.
Accompanying the family were close allies, among them Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi and lawyer Willis Otieno, who walked alongside Mama Ida and Winnie as a show of solidarity.
Their arrival followed soon after that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, highlighting the convergence of both family and state in honouring Raila’s legacy.
This comes after the body of the former Prime Minister left Parliament Buildings for Nyayo National Stadium, marking the next chapter in the state funeral.
The procession began shortly after 9:20 am, with military pallbearers carrying the flag-draped casket out of Parliament’s main entrance.
A ceremonial guard of honour stood at attention as the hearse, flanked by uniformed officers and family members, made its way through Nairobi’s streets.
Crowds lined the route, many waving flags, twigs and holding portraits of the late leader.
A sea of white handkerchiefs also 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.
