Emotions ran high at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, on Saturday morning as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived for public viewing.
Thousands of mourners filled the stadium to capacity, waving flags, raising tree twigs, and blowing vuvuzelas as they chanted in grief and celebration of the man fondly known as Baba. Loud wails pierced through the air even before the casket was removed from the Kenya Air Force aircraft that carried his remains.
Raila’s body was flown aboard a Leonardo C-27J Spartan military aircraft bearing the call sign ENIGMA01—a fitting tribute to the veteran politician long regarded as Kenya’s “political enigma.” The flight departed from Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home and landed at Kisumu International Airport around 7:30 a.m., where it was received with full military honours.
From the airport, the body was airlifted by a military chopper to Mamboleo Stadium, where thousands had gathered since dawn to bid farewell. Despite an overnight downpour, mourners braved the cold from as early as 5 a.m., lining roads and waving portraits of Raila as the convoy made its way to the stadium.
Inside the venue, a 1,500-capacity dome tent stood at the centre of the field, with a carpeted platform draped in national colours set aside for the casket. Security was tight, with personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and Kisumu County Government manning all entry points.
Large screens were mounted across Kisumu, including at Kondele roundabout, allowing thousands more to follow the solemn ceremony.
By mid-morning, top leaders including Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo, Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda had arrived as Kisumu stood still to welcome home its most celebrated son.
