African leaders gather at Nyayo Stadium to bid farewell to Raila Odinga
The ceremony marks the culmination of national mourning for Raila, whose political journey spanned decades of public service, reform, and opposition leadership.
A high-profile assembly of African leaders has converged at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi for the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Kenya bids farewell to one of its most prominent and influential political figures.
The service, which began at 9:00 am, has drawn dignitaries from across the continent and beyond. Ethiopia is represented by President Taye Atske Selassie, while Tanzania has dispatched Vice President Philip Mpango and former President Jakaya Kikwete.
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South Sudan sent Vice President Rebecca de Mabior to represent President Salva Kiir, while Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Rwanda’s Interior Minister Vincent Biruta are also attending the ceremony.
The leaders went to pay their last respect to where Raila’s casket laid and proceed to greet Raila’s widow Mama Ida Odinga and her family.
The ceremony marks the culmination of national mourning for Raila, whose political journey spanned decades of public service, reform, and opposition leadership.
His body, draped in the Kenyan flag, lay in state at Parliament Buildings on Friday morning, where leaders and citizens paid their final respects in an atmosphere of calm and dignity. The Kenya Defence Forces have maintained continuous guard over the body in line with State Funeral traditions.
Thousands of mourners gathered outside Parliament to view the body before it was transferred to Nyayo Stadium for the final ceremony. Earlier plans for the public viewing on Thursday were disrupted by unrest as crowds attempted to access Parliament, prompting authorities to strengthen security and reschedule the event to ensure an orderly farewell.
A large-scale security operation has been mounted across Nairobi. Police said more than 10,000 officers have been deployed around Nyayo Stadium and nearby areas to maintain safety and order.
Nairobi’s head of traffic operations, Joseph Chirchir, confirmed several road closures near the venue and urged motorists to use alternative routes such as Bunyala Road and other access roads into the city centre.
Security personnel from the General Service Unit, the military, and other specialised formations have been stationed around the stadium. Only guests who arrived by 8 a.m. were allowed into the venue, while those who came later were advised to wait for the public viewing session scheduled for 3:00 pm.
The event, attended by thousands of mourners, reflects Raila Odinga’s stature as a continental statesman whose leadership, resilience, and influence helped shape Kenya’s democratic landscape and inspired movements across Africa.
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