Kisumu turned into a sea of emotion and humanity on Friday night as
thousands of supporters of the late former Prime Minister poured into the
streets, just hours before the plane carrying his remains touched down.
A wave of mourning swept through Kondele,
Nyalenda, Kibuye, and the lakeside city’s central business district. The
atmosphere was charged with sorrow, nostalgia, and deep affection for a man
many considered the symbol of their struggle.
Many enthusiastic supporters danced through the night, while others lit hundreds of candles in honour of their departed leader. The flickering lights illuminated the streets, casting a soft glow that mirrored the collective grief and pride of the people.
Groups of young and old alike waved flags and twigs, some carrying large portraits of Raila as they sang liberation songs and chanted his name.
Along Oginga Odinga Street, residents held a massive vigil,
singing Luo dirges and songs long associated with Raila’s decades-long fight
for justice, democracy, and reforms.
Entertainment joints across the lakeside city stayed open late into the night, hoping to cash in on the unprecedented numbers that had flooded Kisumu.
Most hotels were fully booked, with visitors streaming in from neighbouring counties and beyond, determined to be part of the historic farewell.
Security checks were mounted at different points across the city, manned by teams of officers.
Heavy security presence was visible at Kisumu International Airport and the Mamboleo ASK Grounds, where public viewing of the body was scheduled to take place.
By 6 a.m., hundreds of locals had already thronged the venue, many wrapped in party colours and carrying placards bearing Raila’s image.
Some said they had arrived before dawn to secure a vantage spot
inside the stadium. Their patience and devotion reflected the deep bond between
the people and their fallen hero.
Multiple security checks were established at various entry points, manned by regular police, administration police, GSU officers, and county enforcement teams.
Attendees were thoroughly screened,
while vehicles were subjected to detailed inspection before being allowed into
designated parking zones.
Barricades were also set up along the main routes leading to the stadium to regulate the flow of people and traffic. Emergency response teams and ambulances remained on standby throughout the day to ensure public safety.
Authorities appealed to residents to maintain
peace, order, and decorum as the region prepared to give its most celebrated
son a dignified and heartfelt farewell—one befitting his lifelong struggle for
justice and the enduring hope he inspired across generations.
