Thousands of Kenyans who had lined the roads of Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025, to bid farewell to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were left disappointed after his body was unexpectedly airlifted from Kisumu International Airport directly to Mamboleo Grounds. The change in plans, occurring shortly after the aircraft carrying his remains touched down, meant a planned road procession was bypassed, altering the public's opportunity for a final glimpse of the revered leader.

The remains of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader were transferred to a military helicopter upon arrival at the airport, heading straight to Mamboleo for a public viewing. This viewing is expected to continue for the better part of Saturday, allowing mourners to pay their respects before the body is transported by road to his Bondo home in Siaya County for burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Context and Preparations

Preparations for the arrival and public viewing had been finalised on Friday, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) tasked with airlifting the body from Nairobi to Kisumu. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the funeral planning committee, had urged members of the public to be seated at Mamboleo by 7:00 AM EAT to ensure a dignified arrival and smooth proceedings.

Security operations have been significantly intensified across Kisumu and Bondo. National security agencies are coordinating closely with local leaders and volunteers to manage the large crowds expected. Roads leading to Mamboleo Grounds have been cleared and secured, with authorities appealing for order and early arrival to facilitate smooth proceedings throughout the day.

Appeal for Calm Amidst Prior Incidents

The unexpected change in transport came amidst appeals for calm from Raila Odinga's elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, October 17, 2025, Senator Oburu condemned a teargassing incident that occurred during a public viewing at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. He urged mourners in Kisumu to maintain peace and dignity as they receive the body of the former Prime Minister.

“I appeal to our people to be peaceful. I know the pain you feel, but this is not the time to do anything that could cause harm to our people,” Senator Oburu stated, his voice heavy with emotion. “We want to behave with dignity. We want our people to respect this occasion because Raila loved them so much, and they should also treat his send-off with dignity.”

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Arrival in Kisumu: Saturday, October 18, 2025
• Public Viewing Location: Mamboleo Grounds, Kisumu
• Burial Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Burial Location: Bondo home, Siaya County
• Funeral Planning Committee Chair: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki
• Security Agencies Involved: Kenya Defence Forces, National security agencies

Unanswered Questions and What to Watch

The exact reasons for the last-minute change in transportation from a road procession to an airlift remain officially unstated. While security concerns are often paramount in such high-profile events, the lack of prior communication regarding this alteration led to considerable public disappointment along the intended route. Future official statements may clarify the decision-making process behind this change.

As the nation mourns, attention will now turn to the final rites in Bondo. The management of crowds and maintenance of peace will be crucial, especially given the emotional atmosphere and the previous incident at Kasarani. The political implications of Odinga's passing and the succession within his party and political movement will also be closely watched in the coming weeks and months.