Nairobi, Kenya, Oct’ 16, 2025 – Confusion continues to mar the funeral proceedings of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with mourners at the Kasarani International Stadium growing increasingly restless as the body remains missing and the program stalling for hours.
By 4:00 p.m., no public viewing had begun despite earlier announcements that the ceremony would start in the morning. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes outside the stadium as police dispersed crowds using tear gas canisters after thousands of mourners attempted to force their way into the venue.
At least five people were injured during the commotion, according to eyewitnesses and emergency responders at the scene. “We just want to view Baba’s body, that’s all,” said one mourner, Mary Otieno, who had traveled from Kisumu. “People have been waiting since morning with no explanation. It’s very painful.”
The entire funeral program had been disrupted since early morning when the body arrived at the JKIA from India where Raila died. By 4.00pm no public viewing had taken place yet as scheduled.
Crowds that had filled the stadium since morning were left in shock as security officers remained mum on the viewing of Raila’s body, contrary to the official program released by the national funeral committee.
The development comes after a chaotic morning at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where plans for a state reception were aborted following confusion over the motorcade and protocol arrangements. President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who were at the airport to receive the body, reportedly left after the event was called off.
It remains unclear why the planned viewing at Kasarani was cancelled, with sources indicating that the funeral committee is yet to agree on whether the body will proceed to Parliament Buildings, Lee Funeral Home, or directly to Raila’s Karen home for a family vigil.
The confusion has thrown the national mourning program into further uncertainty, as thousands of mourners continue to gather in Nairobi and other parts of the country awaiting official communication on the next phase of the burial itinerary.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei confirmed the incident, saying officers were forced to act after sections of the crowd turned unruly.
“The situation got out of control as people tried to enter restricted areas. We used minimal force to restore order and ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.
ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen described the confusion as “regrettable,” citing breakdowns in coordination between the national funeral committee and security teams.
“It was never our intention for the public to be kept waiting this long. We are doing everything possible to ensure Baba’s body arrives at Kasarani safely,” he earlier told reporters.
Mourners, however, expressed growing frustration, accusing the organisers of poor communication.
“They told us to come early to pay our last respects, but now it’s late afternoon and nothing is happening,” lamented George Otieno, a supporter from Kibra.
Earlier in the day, a reception ceremony at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was abruptly canceled after President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other top leaders were left waiting for hours amid confusion over the arrival of the casket.
