Security failures marred the public viewing of Raila Odinga in Nairobi, with two shooting victims identified and fears of chaos ahead of his Kisumu homecoming prompting a UK travel advisory. President Ruto and former President Kenyatta praised Odinga's legacy, but Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the government for sidelining the opposition during the state funeral, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged a planned attack. Seperately, a court ruled no law bars sharing obscene content, and teachers were warned against shaming students lacking basic necessities.
Funeral arrangements for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were changed at the last minute, with his body to remain at Lee Funeral Home overnight instead of being taken to his Karen residence. The body had earlier arrived at Nyayo National Stadium in a military convoy for the State Funeral, attended by thousands of mourners and dignitaries. Due to the overwhelming turnout, the government extended the public viewing period. Following services in Nairobi, the body will be flown to Kisumu on Saturday. His burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, in a private ceremony at the Kang’o ka Jaramogi homestead in Bondo.
The mourning period for Raila Odinga was marked by security failures and violence. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen faced national embarrassment following chaotic incidents and a breakdown in security command at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Kasarani Stadium. At Kasarani, a shooting occurred when police opened fire on mourners during a public viewing, and a rights group identified two victims. Leaders in Kisumu have since urged for calm ahead of the body's homecoming, following chaotic scenes in Nairobi that left at least four people dead. Additionally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged a planned attack against him before the burial.
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During the State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, President William Ruto delivered a moving tribute, acknowledging Raila Odinga's role in steadying his administration and describing him as a statesman. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also delivered a eulogy, vowing to uphold Odinga's legacy and sharing personal anecdotes. Odinga's daughter, Winnie, recounted his final moments in India, stating he died "strong, with dignity, and with pride." His brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, recalled Raila's exceptional childhood brilliance, while his long-serving bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, described him as a mentor and father.
The body of Raila departed Parliament Buildings en route to Nyayo Stadium for his state funeral. The procession moved to the stadium where the body arrived for a national funeral service scheduled to begin at 9 AM. The event was attended by prominent political figures, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Kalonzo Musyoka. During the state funeral service, a warning was issued to individuals engaging in looting. NTV Kenya provided live coverage of the events at Nyayo Stadium.
Security plans for the arrival of the late Raila Odinga’s body collapsed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), resulting in widespread breaches and chaos. A planned military honors ceremony at JKIA was disrupted by crowds, and the government moved funeral arrangements from Kasarani due to the disruptions. At a body viewing in Kasarani, General Service Unit (GSU) officers deployed tear gas at mourners. Several people were also reported dead and others injured following a stampede at the Kasarani stadium. Additionally, the public viewing of the body at Parliament Buildings was cancelled after an overwhelming number of mourners breached security.
The body of the late Raila Omollo Odinga was taken to the Parliament buildings for his final respects. President William Ruto arrived at Parliament to view the body, and the atmosphere was noted to be somber as he appeared emotional during the viewing. The President and First Lady Rachael Ruto were present for the viewing on Friday morning. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also paid his final respects to Raila Odinga. The public viewing at Parliament was later cancelled after an overwhelming number of mourners breached security.
President William Ruto eulogized the late Raila Odinga as a leader who stood with the nation and admitted Odinga had intervened during a period of instability within his administration. The funeral organizing committee issued an official statement regarding a public farewell ceremony in Kisumu. The entire mourning and funeral arrangements have now shifted to Kisumu and Bondo counties. According to a statement, the body of the opposition leader is scheduled to be airlifted to Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu for a public viewing. Before plans shifted, the body of the late Raila Odinga was at the Lee Funeral Home awaiting transport.
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Murkomen urged police not to teargas mourners at Kasarani during Odinga's public viewing. JKIA operations fully restored after disruptions from mass mourner influx. Separately, a suspect in the GSU officer's arrow killing near State House was detained for 14 days.
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Security failures marred Raila Odinga's public viewing in Nairobi, with two shooting victims identified by Vocal Africa. Chaos is feared ahead of his Kisumu homecoming. The UK issued a travel advisory. President Ruto and former President Kenyatta praised Odinga's legacy, while Kalonzo Musyoka criticized the government for sidelining the opposition during the state funeral. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged a planned attack. In other news, a court ruled no law bars sharing obscene content, and teachers are warned against shaming students lacking basic necessities.
