How crowds gathered at Raila’s Opoda Farm to pay last respects
Security around the farm had been heightened, with military personnel and police officers deployed to manage the large crowd and ensure order.
Emotions ran high on Saturday at Opoda Farm, the rural home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their respects.
In a video seen by the Eastleigh Voice, the tense and emotional scenes at the homestead were captured, showing mourners pressing against gates and security officers struggling to maintain order.
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Security around the farm had been heightened, with military personnel and police officers deployed to manage the large crowd and ensure order.
Despite their presence, sections of mourners overwhelmed the gates, chanting and pushing against barriers. At one point, the main gate was partially forced open, allowing some mourners to squeeze through.
The officers, clearly outnumbered, appeared momentarily helpless as the crowd’s energy overpowered their efforts.
Another video seen by the Eastleigh Voice also shows a scuffle inside the homestead when one mourner tried to force entry into Raila’s house earlier in the day. He was, however, stopped by the heavily armed security officials manning the home.
The widow of the late leader, Mama Ida Odinga, made her solemn return to the family homestead for the first time since her husband’s passing earlier this week. Her arrival, under tight security, drew an outpouring of grief from supporters who had begun assembling outside the compound hours in advance.
Speaking during a press briefing at the family’s Opado Farm in Bondo, Mama Ida expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming messages of condolence she has received from Kenyans and the international community.
“I’d like to say a few things about the situation that we found ourselves in today. None of us knew that the time had come for my dear husband, Raila Amolo Odinga, to leave us. But since the time has come, we have to deal with it the way it is,” she said.
Mama Ida implored mourners to uphold calm and dignity throughout the funeral proceedings, emphasising that this is a solemn occasion, not a time for confusion or unrest.
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