Kenya was plunged into scenes of grief and chaos on Thursday following the arrival of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, whose death in India has shaken the nation to its core.
Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were temporarily suspended after thousands of mourners broke through security barriers in a desperate attempt to witness the arrival of the late opposition leader’s remains.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the closure, citing safety concerns after mourners gained access to restricted areas.
“KCAA informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” Director General Emile Arao said in a statement. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid the airport area until normal operations resume.
The remains, which had arrived from Kerala, India, were initially to be transported to Lee Funeral Home for preparation before being moved to Parliament Buildings for public viewing.
However, overwhelming crowds at JKIA, along Mombasa Road, and in Nairobi’s Central Business District made it impossible for the motorcade to proceed as planned.
Security teams, in a last-minute decision, redirected the convoy through Outering Road to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani — a venue deemed safer and spacious enough to accommodate the massive crowd.
Military officials and morticians who had been stationed at Lee Funeral Home were instructed to relocate to Kasarani, where the body would now lie in state.
“The crowd was simply uncontrollable. The mortician and his team have left in the military van,” a senior official at Lee Funeral Home told reporters.
Top government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Geoffrey Ruku and Lee Kinyanjui, and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, remained at Lee even as security personnel quietly withdrew.
Meanwhile, chaos also rocked Parliament after mourners who had gathered for the anticipated viewing attempted to force their way into the compound.
Lawmakers including Babu Owino, Otiende Amollo, Ledama Olekina, Sylvanus Osoro, and Tom Ojienda tried to calm the crowds but were overpowered.
“Raila was a movement. Parliament has proved too small for them. That is why we are requesting everyone to move to Kasarani,” Senator Olekina told the crowd.
At one point, Babu Owino and Otiende Amollo were forced to climb the perimeter fence to address the restless mourners.
Authorities have since confirmed that all official viewing ceremonies will now take place at Kasarani, with dignitaries allowed to pay their respects first, followed by the general public.
The government has assured the nation that security and logistical arrangements for the viewing and national funeral have been centralized at Kasarani.
Thousands of Kenyans have continued to stream into the capital to honour Raila Odinga — a man many considered the father of modern Kenyan democracy.
Raila, 80, died of cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India, medical officials at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala confirmed. According to the hospital, he collapsed during a morning walk at the Ayurvedic wellness centre where he had been recuperating.
Doctors said he was being treated for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, and had been in the company of family members at the time. A post-mortem examination is expected as part of routine medical and legal procedures.
The same facility had previously treated Raila’s daughter, Rosemary Odinga, who regained her sight there after years of blindness. Indian authorities have since processed the necessary diplomatic protocols to repatriate the statesman’s remains.
The former Prime Minister will be accorded a state burial at his Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County. He leaves behind his loving wife Idah Odinga and three children.
