Kisumu City came alive on Saturday morning as thousands of mourners flocked to the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo to await the arrival of Raila Amollo Odinga’s body. By dawn, the 25,000-capacity stadium was nearly full, filled with songs, dances, and the unrelenting sound of vuvuzelas as residents paid tribute to the late opposition leader.
Men, women, and children many dressed in Raila-branded T-shirts, lesos, and scarves filled the terraces. Some waved twigs, others clutched portraits of the man they fondly called Baba, chanting his name in unison. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and nostalgia, as mourners celebrated a man whose political journey defined generations.
“I left Homa Bay yesterday and spent the night in Kondele, where there was a vigil for Baba,” said Mark Oluoch, one of the mourners. “By 6 a.m., I was already inside the stadium. This is my last time seeing him, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Crowds streamed in from across the Nyanza region Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, and beyond arriving in buses, motorcycles, and private cars. Songs of liberation and farewell filled the air as security officers maintained tight control at all entry points. Multiple checkpoints were manned by officers from the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police, General Service Unit, and county enforcement teams to ensure safety.
Senior government officials, including Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, and former CS Aisha Jumwa, were among those in attendance. Medical and emergency teams from Kisumu County and the Kenya Red Cross stood by to assist.
For many, this moment was not merely a farewell it was a testament to unity, resilience, and love for a man whose lifelong pursuit of justice and democracy continues to inspire millions. As chants of “Baba! Baba!” echoed across the stadium, Kisumu stood still—ready to honour its son.
