Emotions ran high at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium
in Mamboleo, Kisumu, as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga
arrived for public viewing.
Even before the casket was removed from the belly of the military chopper carrying the remains, loud wails pierced through the air from the thousands of mourners who had filled the stadium to capacity.
Vuvuzelas
blared, and tree twigs were raised shoulder-high as the crowd chanted in grief and
celebration of the man many called Baba.
The Kenya Air Force aircraft — a Leonardo C-27J Spartan —
bearing the call sign ENIGMA01, transported Raila’s body from Nairobi’s Lee
Funeral Home to Kisumu International Airport, where it landed at about 7:30 a.m.
The code name was chosen in honour of the veteran politician
often described as Kenya’s “political enigma.”
After the military honours at the airport, the body was
airlifted by a chopper to the Mamboleo Stadium, where thousands had been
waiting since dawn to pay their final respects.
Earlier in the morning, military helicopters had been
hovering over the stadium as part of security preparations for the airlift and
arrival ceremony.
Despite the heavy overnight downpour, hundreds of mourners
gathered at the airport from as early as 5 a.m., braving the cold in the hope
of catching a glimpse of the procession. Along the roads leading to the
stadium, residents positioned themselves strategically, waving flags and
holding portraits of Raila as they awaited the motorcade.
Within the stadium, a 1,500-capacity dome tent had been
erected at the centre of the field.
A designated platform for the casket, carpeted and decorated
in national colours, was set under tight military guard.
The landing site was heavily secured, with military and
police personnel controlling access.
Security was heightened across the venue, with officers from
the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and Kisumu County Government
deployed at all entry points.
Mourners underwent thorough screening before being allowed
into the facility.
Large screens and public address systems were mounted at key
locations, including Kondele roundabout, to allow those unable to access the
stadium to follow the proceedings.
Emergency medical teams were also stationed around the venue
to respond to any incidents.
By mid-morning, several dignitaries, including Interior
Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o,
and Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, had arrived to receive the body as Kisumu stood
still to welcome home its most celebrated son.
