The Kisumu County Government has announced a change of venue for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, moving the Saturday event from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo.
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said the decision was prompted by the large number of mourners expected to attend, following the overwhelming turnout witnessed in Nairobi during Thursday’s viewing at Kasarani Stadium.
“We have decided to move the venue of the public viewing to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo. All plans are in place to ensure our people get the opportunity to bid Baba farewell,” Wanga stated.
The adjustment comes after chaotic scenes at Kasarani, where tens of thousands of mourners braved long queues to pay their last respects. The crowd’s impatience led to clashes with police as some attempted to breach security barriers, resulting in one reported fatality and several injuries.
Raila’s death has thrown the nation into mourning, with condolences pouring in from across the political divide and beyond Kenya’s borders. The 80-year-old opposition leader succumbed to cardiac arrest in India, where he had been receiving treatment following a mild stroke.
A national funeral service will be held on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, expected to draw local and international dignitaries. Afterward, the body will be airlifted to Kisumu on Saturday morning for the public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The cortege will then proceed to Raila’s Bondo home in Siaya County for an overnight vigil ahead of his burial on Sunday, in line with his wishes to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
Kenyans continue to pour out their grief, describing Raila Odinga as a selfless statesman and a fearless reformist whose lifelong struggles shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
