Raila’s body airlifted to Mamboleo Stadium for public viewing

The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga has been airlifted to the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, for public viewing ahead of his final journey to his Bondo home in Siaya County.

The chopper transporting the casket from Kisumu International Airport to the stadium minutes after arrival at Kisumu Airport.

 It made the short flight shortly after the arrival of the military aircraft that had brought Raila’s body from Nairobi.

Almost an hour earlier, the plane carrying the former opposition leader had landed at the Kisumu International Airport from Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.

The aircraft, operated by the Kenya Air Force, was code-named ENIGMA01, in tribute to the late statesman who was often referred to as a political enigma.

Upon arrival, the flag-draped casket was received by a military guard of honour.

The plane was accorded a ceremonial water salute by the Kenya Airports Authority’s fire and rescue unit, marking the beginning of the solemn proceedings in Kisumu.

Government officials, senior military officers, and family members were present at the airport to receive the body.

From there, the casket was transferred to the NIS chopper for the short airlift to Mamboleo Stadium, where thousands of mourners had already gathered.

By the time the chopper landed, the stadium was filled to capacity.

Residents from Kisumu and neighbouring counties had flocked to the venue since dawn, waving flags, holding portraits, and singing songs associated with Raila’s long political journey.

The body will lie in state at the stadium for public viewing throughout the day before being transported to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.

 Burial arrangements are scheduled for Sunday, with a state funeral expected to draw national and international dignitaries.

Security has been intensified across Kisumu, with officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, and county enforcement units manning entry points, perimeters, and crowd control zones. Multiple checkpoints have been established, and emergency response teams are on standby.

The mood in Kisumu remains heavy with emotion as the city prepares to bid farewell to one of its most revered sons.

Streets were lined with residents paying their respects to the man many affectionately called Baba, a figure widely regarded as a central pillar in Kenya’s decades-long struggle for democracy and social justice.

The body of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrives at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on Saturday, October 18, 2025.FAITH MATETE

Body of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrives at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on Saturday, October 18, 2025. FAITH MATETE