NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has moved the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body from Parliament Buildings to Kasarani Stadium to accommodate the huge crowds expected to pay their last respects.
The decision came hours after chaotic scenes erupted at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, when hundreds of mourners broke through security barriers as Raila’s body arrived from India.
Security officers were briefly overwhelmed as the crowd forced its way through the VIP gates moments after the Kenya Airways plane carrying the remains of the veteran opposition leader touched down at about 9:30 a.m.
President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other top officials—who had gathered at the airport to receive the body—were forced to return to the VIP lounge as the military and police struggled to restore order.
Members of the National Youth Service later joined security teams to form a ring around the aircraft and casket.
Outside the airport, thousands of emotional supporters waved flags and chanted “Baba! Baba!” as they tried to glimpse the hearse carrying Raila’s remains.
Police battled to control the swelling crowd, but many mourners defied orders to stay behind the barriers, insisting on witnessing his homecoming.
Authorities have since warned motorists to expect major traffic disruptions along Mombasa Road and surrounding areas as the funeral procession moves from JKIA to the Lee Funeral Home.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga announced that the convoy would use Mombasa Road instead of the Nairobi Expressway “to give Kenyans an opportunity to pay their last respects.”
Raila, who died on Wednesday morning in India, is being accorded full state honours in recognition of his lifelong dedication to democracy and national unity. His burial will be held on Sunday at his rural home in Siaya County.
