Nyayo Stadium under tight security as thousands gather for Raila Odinga’s State Funeral service
The government deployed a massive security team of about 10,000 officers to maintain order and ensure the event proceeded smoothly.
Security was extremely tight at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday as thousands gathered for the State Funeral service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The government deployed a massive security team of about 10,000 officers to maintain order and ensure the event proceeded smoothly.
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Police from the General Service Unit, the military, and other special units were stationed in and around the stadium. Nairobi’s head of traffic operations, Joseph Chirchir, announced that several roads leading to the stadium had been closed to control movement and enhance safety.
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes through Bunyala Road to access the city centre.
Officers manned all entry points, allowing only those who had arrived by 8:00 am to access the venue.
Kenyans at the Nyayo Stadium ahead of the State Funeral Service of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Latecomers were turned away and told to wait until 3:00 pm for the next public viewing session. The crowd began filling the stands early in the morning as Kenyans from across the country gathered to honour the late opposition leader.
Earlier in the day, Raila’s body was taken to Parliament, where lawmakers and invited dignitaries viewed it in a brief ceremony.
The initial plan had been for the body to lie in state at Parliament, but security officials changed the arrangement following chaotic scenes at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday.
The incident at Kasarani left three people dead and dozens injured after police fired shots and tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to breach the VIP area.
Officers at the scene said mourners had hurled seats and sticks after being blocked from entering. Some officers later suggested that up to four people might have died in the melee.
To avoid a repeat of the violence, authorities significantly increased the number of personnel deployed for Friday’s event, which attracted both local and international guests.
President William Ruto and other top government officials were among those who paid their last respects.
Raila, a central figure in Kenya’s politics for decades, died on Wednesday in India after collapsing during a morning walk.
The ceremony at Nyayo Stadium was conducted with full military honours, with government officials saying the public would be allowed to pay their last respects “for as long as necessary.”
The body is scheduled to be flown to Kisumu on Saturday and later taken to Raila’s rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, for burial on Sunday. The family confirmed that it was his wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours.
Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya’s first prime minister under the 2010 Constitution, is remembered as one of the country’s most influential leaders and a key figure in Kenya’s long struggle for democracy.
A seven-day national mourning period has been declared in his honour.
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