A heavy military presence has been deployed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after thousands of mourners disrupted the planned reception ceremony for the late Raila Odinga’s body. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) took over control from civilian security teams following a breakdown in order as crowds pushed through restricted zones. The confusion forced the cancellation of a planned prayer service and official reception led by President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. As of Thursday afternoon, top government officials and the Odinga family remained at the airport as discussions continued on the next course of action.
Nairobi, Kenya, October 16, 2025 — The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning from India, but what was expected to be a solemn and dignified reception quickly turned chaotic as thousands of mourners overwhelmed security at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
A Kenya Airways chartered flight carrying the remains of the veteran opposition leader touched down at around 9:30 a.m., with President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, and close family members present to receive the casket.
However, moments after the plane taxied to the VIP area, crowds broke through security barriers, forcing military and police officers to intervene. The commotion disrupted the entire official programme, preventing the planned prayers and handover ceremony from taking place.
President Ruto and former President Kenyatta, who had been waiting on the tarmac, were unable to receive the casket as planned. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel swiftly took control of the situation, shielding the casket and the dignitaries as tensions escalated.
It remains unclear where the body will be taken next — with conflicting reports suggesting it could be moved to Lee Funeral Home, Parliament Buildings, or State House Nairobi. Senior government officials, members of the Odinga family, and top security chiefs remain at JKIA as discussions continue amid mounting crowds inside and outside the airport.
Earlier, the government had deployed heavy security along the JKIA–Mombasa Road–Uhuru Highway corridor, anticipating large numbers of mourners lining the route to pay their final respects. The situation, however, grew uncontrollable as thousands surged toward the airport gates chanting, waving flags, and carrying portraits of the late leader.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday morning gazetted Friday, October 17, as a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mourn and participate in the national farewell.
“In exercise of powers conferred in Section 3 of the Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, October 17, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the former Prime Minister Rt. Honourable Raila Odinga,” the gazette notice read.
Deputy President Kindiki, who chairs the National Burial Committee, had earlier revealed that it was Raila Odinga’s wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing. The former Prime Minister died on Wednesday, October 15, at a private hospital in Kerala, India, aged 80.
The late Odinga is expected to be accorded a State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, attended by dignitaries from across Africa, before his burial on Sunday, October 19, at his Kango Ka Jaramogi home in Bondo, beside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son Fidel Odinga.
Since Wednesday, flags across the country have been flying at half-mast, and vigils have continued in major towns as Kenyans mourn a man widely regarded as the face of Kenya’s democratic struggle for more than four decades.
