Raila’s body rerouted to Kasarani Stadium as swelling crowds at Parliament force change of plans

The remains of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga have been rerouted to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani after large crowds made the originally planned transfer unfeasible.

Plans to move the body from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Lee Funeral Home for final preparations before the public viewing at Parliament were abandoned as the crowd situation intensified.

Tens of thousands of Kenyans had gathered outside Parliament buildings and along major city roads on Thursday morning as the remains of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were scheduled to arrive for public viewing.

The massive turnout forced National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his deputy Gladys Shollei to address mourners from within the parliamentary compound, urging them to remain calm and orderly.

Crowds were eager to witness the casket after a brief stopover at Lee Funeral Home, where Raila’s body was to be prepared for the official lying-in-state.

Narok Senator Ole Kina, alongside MPs Otiende Omolo, Tim Wanyonyi, Millicent Odhiambo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, took to the gates to appeal to the youth not to scale the barriers.

In a striking display, MPs Babu Owino and Otiende Omolo climbed atop the main parliamentary gates to speak directly to the crowd.

The situation was mirrored along Mombasa Road, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga addressed large groups of mourners, calling for patience and order.

Meanwhile, operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were temporarily halted following a security breach during the arrival of Raila Odinga’s remains. According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), a surge of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a temporary airport closure to restore order.

“KCAA informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” Director General Emile Arao said. He urged travellers and the public to stay clear of the airport, noting that normal operations would resume once the area was secured. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, with KCAA expecting operations to resume within two hours.

The casket’s arrival in Nairobi, following Raila Odinga’s death in India, drew large, emotional crowds. Hundreds of mourners and boda boda riders breached security at the State Pavilion, overwhelming joint military and GSU personnel. Many climbed walls and broke barriers, waving twigs and chanting Raila’s name, as they tried to get closer to the hearse.

Despite the breach, the mood remained largely peaceful, with mourners singing Raila’s popular slogan, "Jowie," as the casket was received. Security forces later regained control, allowing the procession to move from JKIA along Mombasa Road toward Lee Funeral Home before heading to Parliament for the lying-in-state ceremony.

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