Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were temporarily suspended on Thursday morning following a major security incident during the arrival of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga from India.
In a statement, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director General Emile Arao said the suspension was a precautionary measure after large crowds of mourners gained access to restricted areas of the airport.
“Members of the public and travelers are advised to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice. Normal operations will resume once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours. A NOTAM of the same has been issued,” the statement read.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) also announced a temporary closure of the airspace over JKIA from 10:26 a.m. to 12:26 p.m. to facilitate enhanced security screening operations.
“The safety and security of our passengers, staff, and all airport users is our highest priority, and this action is part of our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest security standards,” said KAA Acting Managing Director Mohamed Gedi.
He further advised travelers with scheduled flights during the closure period to contact their airlines for updates on flight adjustments.
Chaos erupted at the airport after rowdy mourners and boda boda riders broke through security barriers at the State Pavilion, forcing security personnel to momentarily lose control of the situation. The emotional supporters surged forward, chanting Raila’s name and waving tree branches as they tried to catch a glimpse of the casket draped in the national flag.
Efforts by security officers, including the military and the General Service Unit (GSU), to contain the crowd proved difficult as hundreds pushed past barricades and others scaled perimeter walls. Despite the tension, the atmosphere remained largely peaceful, with mourners singing Raila’s popular slogan, “Jowi!”
At Parliament Buildings, officials were forced to cancel a planned public viewing after being overwhelmed by crowds that had already gathered to pay their last respects. The public viewing was later moved to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to accommodate the large turnout.
Security was also heightened at Lee Funeral Home after reports of a minor breach during the transfer of the body from JKIA.
The official reception programme at the airport was disrupted, with President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other dignitaries—who had arrived to receive the body—being temporarily held up at the State Pavilion amid the commotion.
The funeral procession carrying Raila’s body later left JKIA via Mombasa Road en route to Lee Funeral Home, escorted by hundreds of mourners. The route change was confirmed by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who said it was meant to give Kenyans along the route an opportunity to bid farewell to the veteran leader.
Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday morning in Mumbai, India, is being accorded full state honors in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Kenya’s democracy, reform, and unity.
He will be laid to rest on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
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