Viewing of Raila’s body moved to Kasarani Stadium as mourners overwhelm Parliament
The viewing of Raila Amolo Odinga’s body has been moved to Kasarani Stadium due to the overwhelming number of mourners, the National Committee has directed.
As of Thursday morning, mourners had thronged Parliament, where the viewing of the late political heavyweight was scheduled to be undertaken.
Members of Parliament were forced to plead with the public not to breach Parliament, as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had to climb the gates to calm the crowd.
The numbers were already unmanageable at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when Mr Odinga’s body landed in Kenya from India.
The airport’s gates were breached and mourners gained access to the apron, making it hard for President William Ruto and his delegates to receive the body.
Roads to Lee Funeral Home, where the body was to be prepared for viewing, were also thronged, impeding movement.
Odinga will be given a four-day state funeral as per the programme released by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
On Friday, a State funeral service will be held at the Nyayo Stadium, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya.
The body will be moved to Raila’s Karen home for an overnight stay and will leave Nairobi for Kisumu for public viewing at the Moi Stadium on Saturday.
Afterwards, the body travels by road from Kisumu to Bondo for an overnight stay.
The late political premier will be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours.
DP Kindiki has pointed out that Raila had indicated to the family that he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
