There were chaos in Nairobi after rowdy mourners breached major security installations after the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body from India.
This forced security agencies to change earlier plans on the burial.
For instance, there was a major security breach at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Thursday after crowds of mourners and boda boda riders gained access to the State Pavilion during the arrival of the body.
At Parliament Buildings, officials had to cancel a planned public viewing after they were overwhelmed by the crowd.
This forced the authorities to change the viewing plans from Parliament to Kasarani Stadium.
At Lee Funeral Home, security had to be enhanced to address a security breach that had been reported.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced temporary, closure of the airspace over JKIA from 10:26 AM to 12:26 PM to facilitate an enhanced security rescreening operation following the arrival of the remains.
“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.”
“Passengers with flights scheduled during this period are strongly advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest information on flight statuses and potential adjustments to their travel itineraries,” said KAA acting Managing Director Mohamed Gedi.
The unexpected surge at the airport disrupted the official reception programme, forcing security officers to momentarily lose control of the situation as emotional supporters broke through barriers to catch a glimpse of the hearse carrying Raila’s remains.
Efforts by joint security personnel of military and GSU to contain the crowd proved futile as hundreds pushed past the barricades, as other scaled perimeter wall, chanting Raila’s name and waving twigs.
The boda boda riders who gained access to the facility rode into restricted areas, further overwhelming the officers on duty.
Despite the disruption, the atmosphere remained largely peaceful, with mourners singing Raila’s popular slogans “Jowi” as the casket was received.
Security agencies later restored order as the procession prepared to depart for the Lee Funeral home ahead of the public viewing at Parliament buildings.
The procession carrying the body of the late Raila is currently making its way from JKIA through Mombasa road to Lee.
The route change was confirmed by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who told mourners at JKIA that the procession would use Mombasa Road instead of the Nairobi Expressway to allow Kenyans to pay their last respects.
Hundreds of mourners are escorting the body being carried on a gum carrier.
Then casket has been drapped in a national flag.
President William Ruto his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta and other national leaders who arrived to receive the body was still held up in a meeting at the State pavilion.
Raila, who passed away Wednesday morning in India, is being accorded full state honors in recognition of his immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy, reform, and national unity.
He will be laid to rest Sunday.
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