Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that attendance at the gravesite of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be limited to 500 people. Speaking on Sunday morning at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University ahead of the funeral service, Murkomen explained that the decision was reached after consultations with the National Security Council and the Odinga family to ensure a peaceful and orderly ceremony.
He noted that crowd control measures were necessary due to the high number of mourners and dignitaries expected to attend the event. The CS urged the public to adhere to government guidelines and respect the family’s wishes during the final rites, emphasizing that the restricted access would allow the Odinga family to conduct their traditional and religious ceremonies privately.
“The process for today remains the same, and all events of the service will take place as planned. Security officers are well-prepared and stationed at every required point,” Murkomen stated. “For the homestead, the number of attendees is limited to about 500 to ensure the family can go through their final rites in peace.”
The announcement comes amid heightened security across Siaya County, particularly in Bondo town, where specialized units from the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, and the National Youth Service have been deployed to maintain order and manage traffic flow.
On Saturday, Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, also urged supporters to remain peaceful as thousands of mourners continued to gather in Kisumu and Bondo. Addressing mourners at their Opoda Farm home, she appealed for calm, stressing that chaotic scenes would taint the solemn occasion.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest near his father’s mausoleum at Kang’o Kajaramogi, with the ceremony set to be presided over by Anglican Church Bishop David Kodia. Attendance at the gravesite will be strictly limited to ensure dignity and order during the final farewell.
