Public viewing of Raila's body begins at Mamboleo Stadium

Public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga has begun at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu.

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 Dr. Raymond Omollo, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.

Addressing mourners, Otiende urged the crowd to remain calm and respect the wishes of Mama Ida Odinga, who had called for peaceful and dignified mourning.

“Let us respect Mama Ida. If we are not organised, we might not get the chance to view the body of Raila,” he said.

Otiende also appealed to Members of Parliament, governors, and other leaders present to give way to the public, noting that they had already viewed the body during the parliamentary session in Nairobi.

PS Omollo later requested Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o to assist in leading other leaders out of the main tent to help restore order and allow the viewing to proceed smoothly.

Mourners were then allowed to line up in an orderly manner, view the body, and exit the stadium to create space for others.

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

Raila’s wife Ida Odinga, his brother Dr. Oburu Oginga, and former Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga were not present at the stadium during the viewing.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu were visibly emotional as they paid their respects.

Outside the stadium, thousands of mourners had gathered since as early as 6 a.m., many carrying twigs, flags, and portraits of the late opposition leader as they waited patiently for their turn. The mood remained somber, with songs, prayers, and chants of “Baba!” filling the air.

Security around the stadium was tight, with police and military officers manning all entry points and conducting thorough checks.

 Inside the venue, soldiers took full charge of crowd control to ensure that the public viewing proceeded in an orderly and secure manner.

The viewing will continue throughout the day, with leaders, clergy, and members of the public expected to file past the flag-draped casket before the body is moved for other national farewell events ahead of burial in Bondo, Siaya County.