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Plans for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body to lie in state at Parliament Buildings were altered due to an overwhelming turnout of mourners, necessitating a shift to a larger venue to ensure public safety and manage the immense crowds. The change aimed to accommodate the thousands of Kenyans eager to pay their last respects to the revered leader.
Thousands of Kenyans who gathered at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to view the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were redirected to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, after security concerns arose due to the surging crowds. The decision, made by the national funeral committee, aimed to manage the overwhelming number of mourners and ensure public safety during the state funeral proceedings.
The initial plan was for Odinga's body to lie in state at Parliament, a rare honour reserved for distinguished national leaders, allowing citizens and dignitaries to pay their final respects. However, as early as 4:00 AM EAT, large numbers of mourners began queuing outside Parliament, with some attempting to breach gates and barricades, overwhelming security personnel.
Raila Odinga, who passed away at 80 in Kochi, India, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, following a cardiac arrest, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades. Affectionately known as "Baba" (father), he was celebrated for his pivotal role in the fight for multiparty democracy and the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. His political career was marked by numerous presidential bids, often contested, and periods of detention under the Moi regime for his activism.
President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning and announced that Odinga would be accorded a state funeral, recognising him as "a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, and a unifier who prioritised peace and unity over power and personal gain." This honour places Odinga in a select group of Kenyan leaders, including former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi, who have received similar state recognition.
State funerals in Kenya typically follow elaborate protocols, including a public viewing period and a formal military procession. The tradition of "Lying-in-State" usually takes place at Parliament Buildings, symbolising that the deceased belonged to the entire nation. While state funerals are generally reserved for sitting or retired Heads of State and Chiefs of Defence Forces, the Defence Council can authorise this honour for other individuals of exceptional national significance.
The decision to relocate the public viewing was made by the national funeral committee after an intelligence report highlighted the risk of a security breach. Lawmakers, including Silvanus Osoro and Ledama Ole Kina, attempted to calm the restless crowds outside Parliament, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Senator Ledama Olekina acknowledged the overwhelming public response, stating, "Raila was a movement. Parliament has proved too small for them. That is why we are requesting everyone to move to Kasarani."
The chaotic scenes at Parliament and earlier at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where mourners also overwhelmed security, underscore the challenges of managing large public gatherings, especially during periods of intense national emotion. The relocation of the viewing venue was a critical step to prevent potential stampedes or further security incidents.
Following the public viewing at Kasarani, Odinga's body was moved to his Karen home for an overnight vigil. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the body will be flown to Kisumu for public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds. The final funeral service and burial rites, officiated by the Anglican Church of Kenya, are scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with his wishes to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
Attention now turns to the state funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, where President William Ruto and other national and international dignitaries are expected to pay their respects. The subsequent events in Kisumu and Bondo will also be closely monitored for public participation and adherence to security protocols. The nation will be watching how these final rites unfold, reflecting on Odinga's profound legacy and the future political landscape of Kenya.
