NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kisumu County Government has announced a change of venue for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, moving Saturday’s event from Moi Stadium to the larger Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo.
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said the decision was taken to accommodate the massive crowds expected to turn up to pay their last respects to the opposition leader.
“We have decided to move the venue of the public viewing to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo. All plans are in place to ensure that our people get the opportunity to bid Baba farewell,” said Wanga.
The adjustment follows scenes of overwhelming crowds in Nairobi on Thursday, where tens of thousands of mourners thronged Kasarani Stadium for the public viewing.
The ceremony, initially planned for Nyayo Stadium, had also been moved at the last minute due to security and logistical concerns.
Despite heavy police presence, the Nairobi event was marred by chaos and stampedes as crowds attempted to breach barriers to access the VIP section where Raila’s body was being prepared.
Police fired teargas to control the surging mourners, resulting in one reported death and several injuries.
Raila’s passing has plunged the nation into grief, triggering an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, diplomats, and citizens alike.
The 80-year-old ODM leader died in India after suffering cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment following a mild stroke.
A national funeral service is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo National Stadium, with both local and international dignitaries expected to attend.
The body will then be airlifted to Kisumu on Saturday morning for the public viewing at Mamboleo, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., before proceeding to his Bondo home in Siaya County for an overnight vigil.
Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, 72 hours after his death, in line with his personal wishes.
Across Kenya, emotional scenes have accompanied his final journey, with mourners describing him as a selfless statesman and a pillar of Kenya’s democracy whose lifelong struggle shaped the nation’s political landscape.
