Police officers were on high alert at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, as massive crowds turned up on Saturday to view the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. What started as two orderly queues quickly descended into chaos as thousands of mourners streamed in from across the country to pay their last respects.
By early morning, the stadium was packed to capacity, forcing organizers to create a third line to accommodate the swelling crowd. The viewing, which began peacefully, soon became overwhelming for security officers and event marshals who struggled to maintain order.
At one point, officers and marshals pleaded with mourners to sit down on the terraces and open fields to reduce congestion near the viewing point. Mounted police were deployed to separate the crowds and restore calm as people surged forward, eager to catch a glimpse of Raila’s body, which lay in state draped in the national flag.
Under the scorching sun, many mourners endured long waiting hours. Several fainted due to exhaustion and emotional distress. Medics stationed at the venue swiftly attended to those affected, offering first aid and refreshments.
Security personnel later formed human barricades to manage movement around the casket as chants of “Baba! Baba!” filled the air, echoing through the stadium. The atmosphere was charged with grief and reverence, as Kenyans from all walks of life mourned a man many hailed as a champion of democracy, reform, and unity.
The massive turnout in Kisumu underscored Raila Odinga’s enduring legacy and the deep affection he commanded across the nation. Despite the chaos, the event reflected a collective moment of mourning for a leader whose influence transcended politics.
