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The National State Funeral Committee has extended the public viewing period for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Bondo to accommodate the vast number of Kenyans wishing to pay their last respects to the revered leader.
Nairobi, Kenya – Thousands of Kenyans are continuing to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose public viewing schedule has been extended by the National State Funeral Committee. The extension aims to accommodate the overwhelming number of mourners across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Bondo, following logistical challenges and surging crowds during earlier viewing opportunities.
The body of the former Prime Minister arrived in Nairobi on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 8:30 AM EAT, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where it was received by President William Ruto and members of the Odinga family. Initially, public viewing was scheduled at Parliament Buildings, but due to the massive crowds, the venue was changed to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Despite the change, police were forced to use tear gas to control surging crowds at Kasarani.
Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades. Often referred to as "The President Kenya never had," Odinga made five unsuccessful bids for the presidency (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022), each time alleging electoral fraud. His political journey was marked by significant events, including his imprisonment without trial for six years in 1982 for allegedly plotting against President Daniel arap Moi's government. He later served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in a power-sharing agreement following the disputed 2007 presidential election, which led to widespread post-election violence.
President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning and a State Funeral for Odinga, describing him as "a patriot of uncommon courage — a Pan-Africanist who offered a compelling model of principled politics." President Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, visited Odinga's home in Karen, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to condole with the family.
The State Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the National State Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Odinga's elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. The committee confirmed that Odinga's wish, expressed in his will, was to be interred within 72 hours of his death.
Mourners from across the country have expressed profound grief, with many referring to Odinga as "Baba," a Kiswahili honorific for a beloved father figure. In Kisumu, Odinga's political stronghold, hundreds poured into the streets, waving tree branches and chanting. Clergy in Kisumu have also expressed dismay at the treatment of Odinga's body in Nairobi, though specific details of their concerns remain UNKNOWN from the provided input.
The immense crowds and emotional intensity surrounding Odinga's farewell have presented significant logistical and security challenges. The initial disruption of plans at JKIA and Parliament Buildings, leading to the relocation of viewing venues and instances of tear gas deployment, highlight the need for careful crowd management during this period of national mourning. The government has appealed for calm, dignity, and order.
While the overall funeral program is clear, specific details regarding the foreign dignitaries attending the State Funeral have not been fully revealed by the government. Additionally, the precise nature of the Kisumu clergy's dismay regarding the treatment of Odinga's body in Nairobi remains UNKNOWN from the provided information.
The nation will be watching for the smooth execution of the remaining funeral arrangements, particularly the public viewing events in Kisumu and the final burial in Bondo. The government's ability to manage large crowds peacefully and ensure the dignity of the farewell will be crucial. The tributes from national and international leaders during the State Funeral will also be closely observed for their reflections on Odinga's enduring legacy.
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