'Jowi! Jowi!’—Thousands mourn Raila Odinga as his body arrives at Kasarani
Mourners waved tree branches and leaves — traditional symbols of mourning and respect — as they filled the stadium’s terraces, awaiting the arrival of the casket.
Emotional chants of “Jowi! Jowi!” filled the air at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday as thousands of Kenyans gathered to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The convoy carrying Odinga’s body, draped in the national flag, entered the stadium through Gate 3 under tight military escort. As it arrived, crowds broke into song and tears, honouring the man hailed as a pillar of Kenya’s democracy and the father of devolution.
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Mourners waved tree branches and leaves — traditional symbols of mourning and respect — as they filled the stadium’s terraces, awaiting the arrival of the casket.
Among those seen heading to the venue was Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who clung to the side of a moving vehicle in a convoy bound for the stadium, joining thousands of supporters gathered to pay their last respects to the late leader.
Odinga’s body arrived earlier in the morning from India, where he died following a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment. President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga led the nation in receiving his remains at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where full military honours were rendered before the casket was placed on a gun carriage.
The plane also carried a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Others on board included Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch. From the Odinga family, East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga and her aunt, Ruth Odinga, were part of the delegation.
Plan changed
Initially, the body was to be taken from JKIA to Lee Funeral Home for final preparations before proceeding to Parliament Buildings for public viewing. However, the plan was changed after huge and impatient crowds flooded the city centre and Parliament precincts.
“Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of HE Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani, where they shall have enough space and time to view the body,” said ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale.
Military officials and morticians initially stationed at Lee Funeral Home were redirected to Kasarani to implement the new viewing arrangements. By mid-morning, several high-profile leaders had already arrived at the venue as thousands of Kenyans continued to stream in.
President William Ruto is also expected to take part in the public viewing.
The government has announced that the late Prime Minister will be accorded a State Funeral with full honours, following a declaration by President Ruto. A national funeral committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga is overseeing the arrangements.
According to his Will, Raila Odinga wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
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