More security flown to Siaya to enhance operations ahead of Raila State funeral

Dozens of multi-agency security personnel were flown to Bondo, Siaya County to help in ensuring order ahead of the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

This followed an analysis that revealed those already on the ground would be overwhelmed by the mourners expected in the area.

Among those flown there were special forces from the military who took charge of the body of Raila.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo were on the ground in time to coordinate the operations.

They asked for the deployment of more personnel as a precautionary measure to ensure safety.

This started in Kisumu, where more personnel had to be flown in to help beef up security.

The officials also changed earlier plans to drive the body by road to Bondo and instead flew it, fearing chaos on the 63-kilometre stretch.

Dozens of traffic personnel were deployed on the roads leading to the Opoda Farm and the venue for the burial event to direct the flow.

They were overwhelmed by the huge number of vehicles on the ground. Most of them were from outside Siaya and the drivers did not know the route well.

Apart from Murkomen and Omollo, the General Officer Commanding Western Command Major General Jeff Nyagah, the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengel,i among other security bosses were on the ground to coordinate the operations.

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja has been away to mourn the death of his father last Wednesday. DIG Kenya Police Eliud Lagat was also on the ground and participating in the State events.

Police were mobilised from the local counties and as far as Nakuru to help in keeping order.

There was push and pull before the start of the funeral event, even as the police stood firm to stop the crowd from getting to the site.

The National State Funeral Committee said it was immensely grateful to the members of the public, security professionals and emergency personnel for managing to the best possible way, the public viewing of the mortal remains of Odinga.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who was the Co-Chair, National State Funeral Committee for Odinga said the final interment ceremony was to take place, starting with an interment service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University from 9 am until 1 pm, followed by committal, final prayers and military honours at the gravesite at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.

Murkomen said the event had been a challenge because it was not planned for.

“We have had challenges from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport because it was too abrupt, and we are happy for now.”

“We thank all those who participated in putting in an operational plan that has brought us here so far,” he said as he mourned Odinga.

At least five people died in the chaos that was experienced in public viewing of the body at Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, while more than 300 were injured.

Police shot dead three people at Kasarani, while two were killed in a stampede.

The matters are under probe, officials said.