The transfer of Raila Odinga’s body has been disrupted again, derailing the official funeral program that was to include a public viewing at Parliament and Kasarani Stadium. Thousands of mourners remain stranded as confusion grips the capital.
Nairobi, Kenya, October, 16, 2025 – The movement of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body has once again been disrupted, throwing the national mourning program into disarray and heightening confusion among mourners and officials.
Earlier on Thursday, chaotic scenes were witnessed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) forcing the cancellation of the planned reception ceremony, where President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta were expected to receive the casket. The two leaders were present at the airport but left without taking part in the protocol after thousands of mourners overran the security perimeter, paralysing the program.
The casket was initially expected to be taken to Lee Funeral Home, then to Parliament Buildings at 11:00 a.m. for public viewing, before returning to Lee Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m.
According to the official schedule, a requiem mass was planned for Friday, 8:00 a.m., at Nyayo National Stadium, followed by the body being taken to Raila’s Karen home later in the day. On Saturday morning, the body was to be flown to Kisumu City for a brief public viewing before being transported to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight vigil ahead of the burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
However, by Thursday afternoon, the entire program had been thrown into confusion. The funeral procession did not reach Lee Funeral Home as expected, and the casket had also not been taken to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where tens of thousands of mourners had gathered for the public viewing.
Tension rose sharply when the convoy briefly diverted towards Nyayo National Stadium, where anti-riot police were forced to fire shots into the air and use physical force to disperse mourners attempting to force their way into the venue. The standoff caused panic and further disrupted the movement of the motorcade as officials struggled to regain control of the situation.
Security has been tightened around Kasarani as the government and the National Funeral Committee attempt to restore order and determine the next course of action.
Meanwhile, Raila’s elder brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, has arrived in Bondo to oversee burial preparations and guide traditional and cultural rites ahead of the final ceremony.
