Raila’s body lies in state at Parliament ahead of State Funeral service
The move allows leaders, legislators, diplomats, and citizens who were unable to pay their last respects earlier to do so in an atmosphere of dignity and calm.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body has been placed in Parliament Buildings early Friday morning, marking the final public farewell before his State Funeral set for today at Nyayo Stadium from 9:00 am.
The move allows leaders, legislators, diplomats, and citizens who were unable to pay their last respects earlier to do so in an atmosphere of dignity and calm.
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The body, covered with the Kenyan flag and watched over by members of the Kenya Defence Forces, lies in State as part of official State Funeral traditions.
Plans to have the body displayed at Parliament on Thursday were disrupted by unrest in Nairobi as huge crowds gathered near the area, making it unsafe to proceed.
The commotion began even before the body left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, prompting organisers to move the viewing temporarily to Kasarani Stadium.
Officials said the decision to cancel the earlier display was made to protect mourners and uphold the solemnity of the event.
Security officers have since reinforced control around Parliament, paving the way for the public and invited guests to bid their final farewell to the ODM leader.
The sight of Raila’s flag-draped casket inside Parliament now completes a long-standing national protocol that honours distinguished leaders for their service to the nation.
Many Kenyans, both at home and abroad, have described the moment as deeply emotional, symbolising the closing chapter of a political life that shaped generations.
The tradition of lying-in-state, which Kenya adopted from the United Kingdom, offers the public a final opportunity to view the body of a national hero before burial. It is one of the highest honours accorded to a statesman and serves as a national gesture of gratitude and remembrance.
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