Public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body underway in Bondo
Governor Orengo had earlier urged the public and the community to maintain peace during the mourning period, saying that the body would be brought to Bondo for the family and close relatives.
Public viewing of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is currently underway at his Opoda Farm residence in Bondo, allowing members of the community and supporters to pay their respects ahead of his burial on Sunday.
The body was transported by military aircraft from Kisumu shortly after 3:00 pm, following a day-long public viewing at Mamboleo grounds. Upon arrival at the farm, it was transferred to a hearse as mourners gathered, wailing and blowing trumpets in a display of grief.
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Police officers have been deployed to the homestead, where the General Service Unit (GSU) is managing the gates to ensure order amid the large crowd.
Odinga’s family members, led by his wife Ida, brother Senator Oburu Oginga, daughter Rosemary, and son Raila Jr, now lead the family in viewing the body at Opoda Farm.
Prominent leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Gladys Wanga, and Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and Kipchumba Murkomen, also viewed the body.
Governor Orengo had earlier urged the public and the community to maintain peace during the mourning period, saying that the body would be brought to Bondo for the family and close relatives.
“When the body arrives, it will be here in the home, not for viewing; it will be for family and other close relatives. Otherwise, there’s a place which has been set aside just across where members of the public and the community in Bondo and Siaya will be able to view the body of our departed leader," said Orengo.
“The two days, particularly yesterday and today, yesterday ended up well, and today we really entreat members of the public and the community in general to maintain peace during this period.”
The funeral service is scheduled for Sunday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds. Proceedings are expected to begin at 7:00 am with the arrival of guests, dignitaries, and family members.
According to the funeral steering committee, commendation prayers during the vigil will be overseen by clergy from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).
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