Kisumu prepares to welcome Raila one last time as body arrives for public viewing at 8:00 am
He added that after the viewing, Raila’s body would be moved to Bondo by road at around 3:00 pm for an overnight vigil.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body will arrive in Kisumu at 8:00 am on Saturday for public viewing at the Mamboleo Stadium, after being airlifted from Nairobi, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who is also part of the National Funeral Committee, has confirmed.
Addressing the media in Kisumu on Friday, Omollo said the body would be flown directly to Mamboleo Stadium rather than first landing at the Kisumu International Airport as had earlier been planned.
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“The body will be here by 8:00 am, Saturday morning, and we expect members of the public, including leaders from around, to view the body, which will be brought here directly. So, there will be no people at the airport to receive or transport the body to this place by road,” he said.
He added that after the viewing, Raila’s body would be moved to Bondo by road at around 3:00 pm for an overnight vigil.
“From here to Bondo, the plan remains that we will take the body by road. By 3:00 pm, we will be leaving for Bondo with the body for an overnight stay by road. Then, of course, the final burial service will happen on Sunday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University,” he added.
He noted that security agencies were aware of the possibility of mourners spending the night at the stadium, given the strong emotional connection many have with the late leader.
He assured the public that the security arrangements were already in place to ensure order during the viewing and the movement to Bondo.
“Yes, we have the necessary arrangements, working with the protocol team from the Orange Democratic Movement party, the leadership that is here represented, as well as our security officers,” he said.
He also confirmed that the gates at Mamboleo Stadium would remain open to allow mourners unrestricted access during the public viewing. He noted that the decision was made in recognition of the high turnout expected and the emotional attachment many people have to the late leader.
“This place is open… It will be open. The most important thing is that we know there are many people, and these emotions are high. All we’re requesting is order and peace by the people themselves. This is the people’s function; let them just maintain order,” he said.
He reiterated that security had been upgraded in the area, adding that the final preparations were in their last 48 hours ahead of Sunday’s state funeral at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University in Bondo.
The PS commended the security teams and the youth from the ODM party for working together to ensure order and smooth movement during the ceremonies.
“My appeal to the people of Kisumu and the environs is, let’s continue on that journey. Raila loved peace; he loved order. Just like Mama Ida said today in her tribute, Raila loved peace, and she’s appealing to the country to mourn him in peace. Even beyond this mourning period, as a country, we must maintain peace and do what it takes to keep the country peaceful for us to be able to grow,” Omollo said.
He further expressed gratitude to residents for showing respect and love to the former Prime Minister.
“I want to commend the people of Kisumu and this region. They have shown Raila the respect and love he deserves, and that is what we want to carry through to Sunday. We expect so many dignitaries to come to be part of this final send-off, and we welcome them. We want to ensure they have a good experience throughout the process,” he said.
He added that the committee, in consultation with the ODM leadership and local youth, had ensured that the road procession to Bondo would be peaceful and well-coordinated, with possible short stops along the route to allow more mourners to pay their last respects.
“Raila is an elder statesman and a senior member of this country and community. We may make certain stops along the way because it’s only fair for those who will not be able to view the body here,” he said.
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