Thousands of Kenyans unite in grief at Kasarani Stadium during public viewing of Raila Odinga

The public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s body commenced on Thursday afternoon at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, following hours of confusion and violent scenes that left several mourners injured and a few reported dead.

President William Ruto led the solemn ceremony, joined by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, as the late opposition leader’s body lay in state.

Earlier, thousands of mourners filled the stadium terraces, waving flags and portraits of the former Prime Minister as his coffin, draped in the national flag, was wheeled into the arena under tight military escort. The atmosphere grew emotional as chants of “Jowi! Jowi!” echoed across the stadium.

The event was initially scheduled for the Parliament Buildings but was later moved to Kasarani following chaotic scenes in Nairobi’s central business district. Large crowds attempting to access Parliament made it difficult for security agencies to maintain order, prompting the National Steering Committee to relocate the viewing to the larger sports complex.

In a statement, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) advised mourners to proceed directly to Kasarani.

“The Government wishes to inform members of the public of a change in venue for the public viewing of the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the statement read.

“The viewing will now be held at Kasarani Stadium and not at Parliament Buildings as earlier announced. Members of the public are therefore advised to proceed to Kasarani Stadium for the viewing.”

Surging crowds

The decision followed an earlier confrontation outside Parliament, where surging crowds overwhelmed security barricades, forcing police intervention.

Later in the afternoon, tension flared again at Kasarani as mourners attempted to force their way into the VIP section, prompting police to fire teargas canisters. Witnesses reported a stampede as security struggled to control the swelling crowd. They said the crowd had become unmanageable.

Despite the unrest, calm gradually returned as the ceremony continued, with top leaders and family members taking turns to view the body before the public was allowed access.

Earlier on Thursday morning, the Kenya Airways flight carrying Odinga’s remains from Kochi, India, touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 9:30 am. The casket, wrapped in the national colours, was received by President Ruto, members of the Odinga family, and several leaders before being escorted by military officers to Kasarani.

Preparations at Kasarani included a team of morticians and pathologists from Lee Funeral Home, who supervised the final embalming and dressing of the body in the VIP holding room. A new coffin was also prepared before the ceremony began.

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Among the dignitaries present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and several elected leaders from across the political divide.

Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Kochi, India, at the age of 80, is remembered as a statesman who championed democracy, dialogue, and national unity.

Following the state viewing, his body will be transported to Bondo, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025.