Raila’s Body Arrives Amid Emotions
Emotions were running high at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived for public viewing.
Even before the casket was taken out of the military chopper that carried his remains, the air was filled with loud wails from the thousands of mourners who had packed the stadium to its limits.
Vuvuzelas blared, and tree twigs were raised high as the crowd chanted in both grief and celebration of the man affectionately known as Baba.
The Kenya Air Force aircraft — a Leonardo C-27J Spartan — with the call sign ENIGMA01, transported Raila’s body from Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi to Kisumu International Airport, landing around 7:30 a.m.
The code name was chosen to honor the veteran politician, often referred to as Kenya’s “political enigma.”
After military honors were performed at the airport, the body was airlifted by a chopper to Mamboleo Stadium, where thousands had been waiting since dawn to pay their last respects.
Earlier that morning, military helicopters had been circling the stadium as part of the security preparations for the airlift and arrival ceremony.
Despite a heavy downpour the night before, hundreds of mourners gathered at the airport as early as 5 a.m., braving the cold in hopes of catching a glimpse of the procession. Along the roads leading to the stadium, residents positioned themselves strategically, waving flags and holding portraits of Raila as they awaited the motorcade.
Inside the stadium, a dome tent with a capacity of 1,500 had been set up in the center of the field.
A designated platform for the casket, adorned with a carpet and decorated in national colors, was placed under tight military guard.
The landing area was heavily secured, with military and police personnel managing access.
Security was ramped up across the venue, with officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and Kisumu County Government stationed at all entry points.
Mourners underwent thorough screening before being allowed in.
Emergency medical teams were on standby around the venue, ready to handle any incidents that might arise.
By mid-morning, a number of dignitaries had arrived to pay their respects, including Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda. The city of Kisumu came to a standstill to honor its most celebrated son as they welcomed him home.
Raila’s Body Arrives Amid Emotions
