Kenya was thrown into mourning and chaos as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived from India. Thousands stormed the airport and stadium, prompting police gunfire and national grief. President Ruto declared seven days of mourning as preparations continue for Odinga’s state funeral and burial in Bondo.
NAIROBI, KENYA — Thousands of mourners overwhelmed security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived from India, forcing a two-hour suspension of flights and prompting chaotic scenes that later turned deadly at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, where police opened fire and killed at least three people, according to media and eyewitness reports.
Odinga’s remains arrived aboard a Kenya Airways chartered flight (RAO001) shortly before 10 a.m., receiving a ceremonial water salute — a rare aviation honor reserved for statesmen and dignitaries. His casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was received by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and a 30-member delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, officials confirmed.
Airport Operations Suspended Amid Security Breach
As the casket was unloaded, mourners carrying palm and green branches — symbols of mourning in the Luo community — broke through airport barriers and stormed the tarmac. Some climbed onto aircraft stairs and service vehicles, halting airport activity.
“The influx of mourners into restricted zones necessitated a precautionary closure to enable security personnel to restore order and maintain safety,” the Kenya Airports Authority said in a statement quoted by the Nation.
Odinga’s body was later transferred to Lee Funeral Home under military escort, with thousands lining the highway waving flags and chanting “Baba!” — his popular nickname.
Parliament Viewing Moved to Kasarani Stadium
Authorities initially planned a public viewing at Parliament Buildings, but the event was moved to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, after early crowds breached security. Military personnel dismantled the Parliament platform by midmorning, according to The Standard.
At Lee Funeral Home, security remained tight, with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers sealing off nearby roads. By afternoon, the body lay in state at Kasarani on an orange-draped platform — a tribute to Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Police Fire on Mourners, Three Killed
Around 3 p.m., violence erupted as mourners tried to push through barriers to the VIP area. Police fired live rounds and tear gas, sending thousands fleeing amid chaos.
“At least three people were shot dead and several others injured as officers tried to contain the situation,” BBC reported, citing eyewitnesses. Citizen TV also aired footage of officers firing into the air as crowds hurled stones and plastic chairs.
Emergency responders from the National Youth Service (NYS) provided first aid before ambulances evacuated the injured. By Thursday night, police had not released an official casualty toll.
State Honors and Ceremonial Protocol
Full military honors, including a gun carriage procession and a guard of honor, marked Odinga’s arrival. President Ruto, former President Kenyatta, and Ida Odinga, the widow of the late leader, led the first official viewing at Kasarani under a strict ceremonial order.
Odinga’s casket lies in a satin-lined coffin draped with an orange scarf, following the tradition of color-coded tributes used in previous state funerals — blue for Daniel arap Moi, white for Mwai Kibaki.
State Funeral and Burial Plans
A state funeral will be held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, declared a public holiday. Flags will fly at half-mast for seven days, President Ruto announced.
After the service, the body will be returned to Lee Funeral Home, then flown Saturday to Kisumu for public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga.
The final journey will continue to Bondo, Siaya County, for an overnight vigil and burial on Sunday, October 19, at Odinga’s ancestral home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, in accordance with Anglican Church of Kenya traditions.
Deputy President Kindiki said the family requested a quick burial “within 72 hours of his passing,” honoring Odinga’s wish.
Odinga, 80, died Wednesday morning in Kerala, India, after collapsing during a walk at Devamatha Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and kidney complications.
Reactions
Officials: President Ruto called Odinga “a formidable statesman whose political courage shaped Kenya’s democracy.” Former President Kenyatta said he “fought for justice until his last breath.”
Public Sentiment: Many mourners expressed grief and frustration. “We feel like orphans. He was our father,” one woman told the BBC at JKIA.
Regional & International: African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat praised Odinga’s lifelong advocacy for governance reforms across Africa. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolence messages, calling him a “continental icon of democracy.”
The National State Funeral Committee confirmed attendance by multiple African heads of state, including Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, and Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu.
Security agencies have deployed more than 8,000 officers nationwide to manage crowds through Sunday’s burial.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said post-funeral memorials will continue for a week in major towns, while ODM party officials plan to establish a Raila Odinga Foundation for Democracy and Unity in his honor.
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