NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei arrived at Parliament Buildings on Thursday morning to oversee preparations for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga’s body.
The solemn event marks the beginning of three days of national tribute, allowing Kenyans to pay their last respects to the veteran opposition leader and democracy icon.
Wetang’ula and Shollei led Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff in receiving Odinga’s body, which is expected to lie in state at Parliament from later today before being moved to Nyayo Stadium for a national memorial service.
Security has been tightened around Parliament Road, with police and military officers coordinating access for dignitaries and the public. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) ceremonial unit will mount a guard of honor as part of the official State funeral protocol.
Thousands of mourners have gathered near the precincts, waving flags and singing liberation songs as the country continues its seven-day mourning period in honor of the man widely regarded as the father of Kenya’s democracy.
