Thousands of mourners thronged the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi on Saturday to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. The solemn ceremony, marked by emotion and chaos, drew a massive crowd from across the country as Kenyans turned up to pay their last respects to the late opposition icon.
President William Ruto led the nation in viewing Raila’s body, arriving at the stadium alongside Mama Ida Odinga and members of the Odinga family. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were among the leaders present.
Before the public viewing, Raila’s body was prepared inside the VIP Lounge at the stadium. Embalming experts from Lee Funeral Home and pathologists conducted the final preparations, dressing the late leader in new attire and placing him in a new coffin. The body was initially expected to be prepared at Lee Funeral Home but the exercise was moved to Kasarani for logistical reasons.
Prayers were held before the viewing began, with the Odinga family and top national leaders standing in solemn reflection. President Ruto was the first to view the body, followed by Mama Ida, the Odinga children, and other close relatives.
After the official viewing by leaders, the public was allowed to file past the casket to pay their final respects to a man celebrated as a statesman and symbol of Kenya’s democracy.
However, the event was marred by chaos after police clashed with sections of the crowd that tried to force their way into the VIP section. Police fired live bullets and tear gas to disperse the unruly mourners, leading to panic in the 48,000-capacity stadium.
According to reports, at least two people were shot dead while one more was injured during the confrontation. The chaos erupted shortly after the body’s arrival from India, as thousands jostled for space in the stadium.
Police said they were forced to use force to restore order and allow the viewing to proceed smoothly. Special units were later deployed to secure the area.
At one point, the ceremony was briefly disrupted when bees attacked officers manning the stadium, forcing them to take cover. It remains unclear how the insects got to the venue.
Despite the commotion, the viewing eventually began around 4:40 pm, with thousands of mourners queuing in long lines. Security officers maintained tight control as the viewing extended into the night.
Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in India, is being accorded full State honors in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s democracy, reform, and unity.
He will be laid to rest on Sunday.
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