Tense moments were witnessed at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday morning after a mourner attempted to force his way into a restricted area during the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body.
The unidentified man was seen breaching the cordoned-off section of the stadium, prompting a rapid response from security personnel stationed across the grounds. Dressed in black suits and official uniforms, the officers swiftly restrained the man before he could reach the sensitive area where dignitaries and family members were seated.
Images from the scene showed at least seven officers involved in removing the man, with some holding him by the arms and legs as they carried him away from the crowd. The incident underscored the heightened security measures put in place to maintain order during the high-profile national mourning event.
Thousands of mourners continued to stream into Mamboleo Stadium throughout the day to pay their last respects to Raila Odinga, whose death has left the country in deep sorrow. Earlier in the morning, his body had been escorted to Kisumu in a military-led procession, attracting massive crowds along the route.
In a separate incident, paramedics were seen attending to a mourner who collapsed inside the stadium. The individual was quickly placed on a stretcher and given medical attention before being taken away for further care.
Despite the brief disruptions, the atmosphere at Mamboleo remained calm but heavy with emotion. Security agencies maintained a strong presence in and around the stadium, ensuring the safety of mourners and dignitaries attending the viewing ceremony for the fallen leader.
The event is part of a series of national mourning activities planned to honor Raila Odinga’s decades of political service and his enduring legacy in Kenya’s democracy.
