Raila Odinga’s Kisumu public viewing moved to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo amid security concerns

The planned public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body in Kisumu has been relocated from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, as security teams prepare for thousands of mourners expected to attend.

Authorities said the decision to move the viewing was informed by the need to ensure safety and smooth coordination, following chaotic scenes witnessed on Thursday during the arrival of Odinga’s body at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The public viewing in Kisumu is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, before the body proceeds to Odinga’s rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, for burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

The former Prime Minister’s body is scheduled for a state funeral at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, October 17, 2025. After the service, the remains will be taken to his Karen home before being flown to Kisumu, where residents of the Nyanza region, his long-time political base, will have an opportunity to pay their last respects.

However, the overwhelming turnout of supporters in Nairobi, who at times bypassed security barriers, has prompted several last-minute adjustments to the official programme initially coordinated by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.

Earlier during the day, huge crowds of mourners overwhelmed security personnel and breached Parliament barriers where the public viewing was to be held, forcing the government to transfer the exercise to Kasarani Stadium, which could accommodate more mourners.

The body was also supposed to move from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Lee Funeral Home, and later to Parliament within set timelines. However, disruptions at the airport, where thousands of Odinga’s supporters thronged to receive the motorcade, led to another change, directing the body straight to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

By Thursday afternoon, the situation at Kasarani had escalated as security personnel struggled to contain the surging crowds. Military and police officers were forced to lob teargas to disperse irate mourners who attempted to storm the VIP section to view the remains.

Unconfirmed reports say at least three people were reportedly shot dead and several others were injured when police opened fire during the chaotic scenes. Trouble began shortly after 3:00 pm when dozens of supporters forced their way toward the VIP area, prompting security officers to respond with live bullets and teargas.

Witnesses said frustrated youth, angered by long waits, hurled chairs and stones at officers manning the cordoned section. The clashes sent thousands of mourners fleeing in panic, with some sustaining injuries as they ran for safety.

At least two of the seriously injured individuals received first aid from National Youth Service (NYS) officers before being evacuated for treatment. The total number of casualties has not yet been confirmed, and police have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the shootings.

Thursday’s unrest came as tens of thousands lined up to pay their last respects to the veteran opposition leader, whose death in India has plunged the country into mourning and triggered a series of national memorial events.

A state memorial service will take place at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, before the body is flown to Kisumu on Saturday and later laid to rest at his Bondo home on Sunday.

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