Security was momentarily tightened at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, after mounted police were deployed to control surging crowds during the public viewing of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The officers, riding brown horses, moved into sections of the crowd that had begun pressing forward, trying to reach the controlled area where Raila’s body lay in state. Their presence quickly restored order, adding a visible layer of control as thousands of mourners continued to pour into the stadium to bid farewell to a man whose influence shaped Kenya’s political history.
Ground officers worked hand in hand with their mounted colleagues, forming a human barrier and guiding mourners into orderly lines. The master of ceremonies repeatedly appealed for calm over the public address system, assuring everyone that each mourner would get a chance to pay their last respects.
Despite the emotional atmosphere, the viewing proceeded smoothly after security reinforcements arrived at the entrance points. Long queues snaked around the stadium as mourners filed in one by one to approach the casket, which was draped in the Kenyan flag. Many carried twigs a traditional symbol of mourning while others waved miniature flags as they silently paused before the casket.
Outside the stadium, thousands more supporters attempted to gain entry, swelling the already massive crowds that had gathered in Kisumu since morning. Traffic came to a standstill in nearby areas as people from across the country streamed into the lakeside city.
Prominent leaders allied to Raila Odinga also arrived to pay their respects, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Inside, emotions ran high as elderly mourners wept and young supporters broke into chants celebrating Raila’s legacy of resilience and struggle.
Earlier, a solemn military-led procession had marked the arrival of Raila’s casket, underscoring the national stature of the man affectionately known as “Baba.”
