By Lapit Moses Punyuah, Nairobi, Kenya
The body of the late Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived in Nairobi today, triggering a mix of emotion, mass turnout, and security turbulence across major public venues.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), thousands of mourners overwhelmed security forces and forced their way to the aircraft, interrupting formal proceedings to receive the body
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President William Ruto and other dignitaries, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, entered the viewing area to allow mourners to pay respects. The casket was escorted amid heavy public pressure
Chaos erupted later when crowds broke through gates at the parliament building, initially designated for public viewing, prompting authorities to relocate the venue to a sports stadium to manage the overflow.
A state of unrest also followed at the stadium, where security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse surging mourners attempting to breach the spectacle area. Tragically, two people were reported killed in the ensuing stampede
Amid the tension, gunfire could be heard during live coverage of the proceedings, adding to the day’s dramatic atmosphere.
Addressing the public, President Ruto thanked Kenyans for their overwhelming show of affection:
“I thank you, fellow citizens, for turning out in great numbers to welcome Hon Odinga home. The outpouring of love and affection you have shown is a powerful reminder that he was … a man of the people, devoted, selfless, and true to the ideals of our Republic.”
The state funeral is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo Stadium, with plans to convey the body to Kisumu and ultimately to Bondo for burial on Sunday, in adherence to Odinga’s wishes.
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