How Raila's body viewing went down

Thousands of mourners on Saturday thronged Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Crowds had gathered as early as dawn, waving flags, twigs, carrying portraits and chanting dirges.

Emotional scenes marked the start of the public viewing in his home region.

The body arrived in Kisumu shortly after 7 am, under tight security, accompanied by family members and senior government officials. 

Mourners were screened before being allowed into the stadium, where viewing lines snaked for several hundred metres. Despite the large numbers, the process remained largely calm and orderly.

The exercise started after a brief delay following a minor disruption at the stadium, which was quickly contained by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.

Among the first leaders to view the body were Raila’s son Raila Odinga Junior, Governor Nyong’o, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda.

The viewing continued throughout the day, up until 3 pm, when it was closed for transportation to his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.

The former Prime Minister’s body was then airlifted to Bondo ahead of a night vigil and burial on Sunday.

Earlier plans indicated that the body was to be transported by road, but changes were made to have the body airlifted to Bondo.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the body would not be transported by road but would be flown directly from Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium to Bondo for logistical and security reasons.

Omollo said the decision was reached after consultations with the National Funeral Steering Committee and the family, to ensure the late opposition leader receives a dignified and well-coordinated send-off.

“The body of the former Prime Minister will be flown directly to Bondo. We want to make sure the transition from Kisumu to his home is done smoothly and respectfully,” Omollo said.

Raila's body arrived at the Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, at 4.16 pm from Kisumu County for a night vigil ahead of burial on Sunday.

The body was received by Raila's family with Mama Ida leading the family in viewing the body at Opoda Farm, Bondo.

The viewing was also opened to members of the public who had gathered all day long waiting for the arrival of Raila’s remains.

During the process, at least three mourners were carried away for medical attention after a brief commotion.

The incident occurred as thousands of residents thronged the venue to pay their last respects to the opposition leader.

The crowds grew restless as people pushed forward to catch a glimpse of Raila’s body.

The three mourners were carried away for first aid treatment by standby medical responders.

Raila’s burial is set for Sunday, starting with an interment service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University from 9 am to 1 pm.

This will be followed by committal, final prayers and military honours at the gravesite at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.