Chaos erupted outside Parliament buildings in Nairobi on Thursday as thousands of mourners gathered to view the body of the late Raila Odinga. The situation turned chaotic after security officials announced that the public viewing, initially scheduled to take place within the parliamentary compound, had been cancelled due to logistical and security concerns.
The body of the veteran opposition leader was later moved to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to accommodate the massive crowd of supporters who had thronged the city to pay their final respects.
Several lawmakers, including Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Ledama Olekina (Narok Senator), and Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator), tried unsuccessfully to calm the agitated crowd.
“Raila was not just a person—he was a movement. Parliament has proved too small for the people who loved him. That is why we are asking everyone to move to Kasarani,” Senator Ledama Olekina urged.
In a dramatic turn, Babu Owino and Otiende Amollo were forced to climb the perimeter fence to address and engage with the restless mourners.
The incident underscored the deep affection and emotional attachment many Kenyans have for Odinga, whose decades-long political journey shaped the country’s democratic landscape. Public viewing at Kasarani Stadium is expected to continue under tight security as the nation mourns one of its most influential leaders.
