Public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga has officially begun at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu. The exercise started after a brief delay caused by a minor disruption at the venue, which was swiftly contained by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.
Addressing mourners, Otiende Amollo urged the crowd to remain calm and honour the wishes of Mama Ida Odinga, who had appealed for peaceful and dignified mourning.
“Let us respect Mama Ida. If we are not organised, we might not get the chance to view the body of Raila,” he said.
Otiende further asked Members of Parliament, governors, and other leaders to give way to the public, noting that they had already viewed Raila’s body during the parliamentary session in Nairobi. His remarks were followed by an appeal from PS Raymond Omollo, who requested Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o to help lead fellow leaders out of the main tent to restore order and allow the viewing to continue smoothly.
Mourners were later allowed to queue in an orderly manner to view the body and exit the stadium to create space for others. Among the first to pay their respects were Raila Odinga Junior, Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda.
The body was airlifted from Kisumu International Airport to the stadium on Saturday morning aboard a military helicopter, arriving at 7:20 a.m. under tight security. The move caught many of Raila’s supporters by surprise, as thousands had camped at the airport expecting the motorcade to travel by road.
Security remains heightened, with officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service deployed to maintain order and ensure safety. Authorities have continued to appeal to mourners to remain peaceful and honour Raila’s memory with dignity.
The viewing marks one of several national events organized to celebrate Raila Odinga’s lifelong dedication to democracy, freedom, and political transformation in Kenya. On Friday night, thousands of Kisumu residents held a candle-lit vigil across the city, singing liberation songs, carrying flowers, and lighting candles as they awaited the arrival of the late leader’s body.
The public viewing, initially planned for Moi Stadium, was later moved to the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo following adjustments to the funeral programme.
Raila’s remains will later be transported to his rural home at Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday beside his late mother at Kang’o ka Jaramogi. The burial will be a private family affair, attended only by close relatives and a few invited guests, in accordance with Raila’s personal wishes.
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