Principal Secretary for Interior, Dr. Raymond Omollo, has commended the residents of Kisumu for maintaining peace and order during the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body at Mamboleo Stadium.
Speaking on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Omollo, who was flanked by Muhoroni MP James K’Oyoo, praised residents for honouring appeals made earlier for calm and patience as the nation bids farewell to the veteran opposition leader.
“Just like we appealed to the residents yesterday evening to accord the Right Honourable Raila Odinga a decent send-off, they have honoured that request,” said Omollo. “However, we continue to appeal to the nation to maintain patience as we give our statesman his final respects.”
The PS revealed that although the public viewing was initially scheduled to end at 3 p.m., discussions were ongoing with the Odinga family to extend the exercise to allow more mourners to pay their last respects.
Omollo further announced a change in the transportation plans for the body, confirming it would now be flown to Bondo instead of being transported by road. “By the time the viewing ends, it will be late to travel by road, and we need to get to Bondo before nightfall,” he explained.
He added that the burial ceremony on Saturday would draw dignitaries from across the country and the region, urging Bondo residents to uphold the peace and unity seen since the arrival of Raila’s body from India.
“In the history of this country, there has never been a farewell like what we are witnessing for Raila Odinga, and it can only be him,” Omollo said.
Omollo also defended Raila’s decision to join President William Ruto in forming a broad-based government, describing it as a statesmanlike move that should be respected.
The funeral service will be held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) before the procession moves to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where Raila will be laid to rest.
