Military personnel on Thursday morning dismantled the lying-in-state platform that had been prepared at Parliament Buildings for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The decision followed scenes of chaos as thousands of mourners flooded the compound, overwhelming security and breaching barriers in an attempt to view Raila’s body.
According to security officials, the situation became untenable after mourners surged past restricted zones, raising safety concerns for both attendees and military officers overseeing the proceedings. The burial committee, in consultation with government security agencies, opted to relocate the viewing to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani — a larger and more secure venue capable of hosting the massive turnout.
By midmorning, the procession carrying Raila’s body left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where it had arrived earlier from India. The casket, draped in the national flag, was transported on a military gun carriage, in line with state funeral protocols. Hundreds of mourners lined Mombasa Road, waving flags and singing liberation songs in honour of the man many affectionately called “Baba.”
President William Ruto has directed that Raila Odinga be accorded full state honours, recognising his decades-long fight for democracy, reform, and national unity.
Officials involved in the funeral planning revealed that the body will rest on an orange-draped platform during public viewing at Kasarani. The colour choice holds deep symbolism, representing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which Raila founded and led.
In Kenyan state funerals, the choice of colour has traditionally reflected each leader’s political legacy blue for Daniel arap Moi and white for Mwai Kibaki. For Raila, orange symbolises resilience, courage, and unity values that defined his storied political journey.
