The public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been shifted from Parliament Buildings to Kasarani Stadium following an overwhelming turnout of mourners in Nairobi.
The procession to Lee Funeral Home, which was initially planned before the public viewing, has also been cancelled.
Officials said the decision was made after large crowds gathered along the route from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and outside Parliament to escort and view Raila’s body. Despite earlier announcements on crowd control, many mourners forced their way into restricted areas.
ODM Party has also issued a statement urging people to move to Kasarani Stadium.
“Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of HE Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani where they shall have enough space and time to view the body,” ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was at the forefront, urging the emotional crowd, many carrying branches and wearing ODM-branded attire, to remain calm and respectful.
“Baba is too big for parliament. We have decided to take him to Kasarani,” the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly of Kenya is Samuel Atandi has told the media.
Reports also indicate that the public viewing scheduled at Moi Stadium in Kisumu has been moved to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.
According to the burial committee, this will be the only day that the public in Nairobi will have an opportunity to view the body.
Raila’s remains arrived at JKIA on Thursday morning at 9:30 am aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Mumbai, India. President William Ruto led senior government officials in receiving the body before it was taken to Lee Funeral Home for preservation and preparation.
Initially, the body was to be taken to Parliament Buildings at noon for public viewing, followed by an overnight vigil at his Karen residence. However, the venue change means the viewing will now take place at Kasarani to accommodate the massive crowd.
According to the official burial programme released by the National Funeral Committee, Raila’s final journey will span four days—from Thursday, October 16, to Sunday, October 19, 2025.
A State Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 17, at Nyayo National Stadium starting at 8:00 am, followed by a vigil at his Karen home. On Saturday, the body will be flown to Kisumu for public viewing at Moi Stadium before proceeding to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
The final funeral service and burial will take place on Sunday, October 19, at his Bondo home, in line with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
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