Kisumu City was awash with emotion and humanity on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The lakeside city came to a standstill, with businesses in Kisumu CBD and Kondele closed as residents thronged the streets and Mamboleo Grounds for the public viewing of Raila’s body.
The day began early, with mourners flocking to Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium at Mamboleo from as early as 7 a.m. Under tight military security, the aircraft carrying Raila’s body coded ENIGMA01 landed at Kisumu International Airport. Military personnel swiftly oversaw the offloading before transferring the casket onto a helicopter destined for the Mamboleo Grounds.
By 8:47 a.m., the helicopter carrying the body arrived at the venue, greeted by thousands of mourners waving flags and chanting liberation songs. Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Attorney General Dorcus Oduor led dignitaries in receiving the body. Kisumu Governor Gladys Wanga could not hold back tears as the casket was wheeled to the main dais amid solemn military honors.
Emotions ran even higher as the Kenya Red Cross attended to several mourners who collapsed while viewing the body. Despite delays caused by crowd control, the public viewing officially began at 9:42 a.m. The master of ceremonies pleaded for calm and decorum as leaders and citizens alike struggled to contain their grief.
The event was marked by prayers, hymns, and tributes reflecting Raila Odinga’s towering influence in Kenya’s political landscape. The interfaith service preceding the viewing reminded mourners of Raila’s lifelong fight for justice and democracy a legacy that continues to unite the nation even in death.
As Kisumu mourned its son, Kenya collectively bid farewell to one of its most consequential leaders.
