Cynthia Nayla Irandu
Chaotic Grief as Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives at JKIA
The arrival of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday was met with chaotic and overwhelming grief, as mourners surged forward, desperate to connect with the man they affectionately called “Baba.”
Emotional Scenes on the Tarmac
The moment the aircraft’s cargo door opened and the flag-draped casket was lowered, a wave of anguish swept through the assembled crowd. Dozens of mourners erupted into uncontrollable wailing, with tears streaming down faces as they reached out toward the coffin. Cries of “Baba! Baba!” and the traditional Luo lament, “Jowi! Jowi!”, filled the air, transforming the airport into a scene of raw emotion and profound disbelief. Several people collapsed to the ground in despair, their cries echoing the deep sense of loss for the man who had been a dominant figure in Kenyan politics for decades.
Security Struggled to Contain the Crowd
Security officers and Kenya Airports Authority officials struggled immensely to contain the emotional crowd. Driven by their grief, mourners surged forward, with some determined to touch the casket. A few even clung tightly to it, making it difficult for officials to move the body from the tarmac. Police officers formed a cordon around the casket, pleading with the crowd to create space. “Please, allow us to move the body,” one officer shouted, his voice nearly drowned out by the intense wails and chants, but the emotional resistance from the crowd was powerful.
Unique Features of the Casket
Following the chaotic scenes at the airport, Raila Odinga’s body was transported to the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi for public viewing. The casket itself featured unique elements honoring his legacy:
- The Kenyan Emblem: The casket prominently featured the country’s emblem, with two lions symbolizing protection, holding two spears and a traditional East African shield, which represents unity and the defense of freedom.
- ODM Sash: It was draped with an orange sash, the color of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
- Signature Cap: On top of the brown coffin lay Raila’s signature cap, which he frequently wore during his public appearances.
- Kenyan Flag: Like those of other deceased high dignitaries, the coffin was initially draped in the Kenyan flag before being opened for viewing.
Funeral Arrangements
The public viewing at Kasarani followed viewings by top dignitaries, including President William Ruto, ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and the late leader’s family.
The national burial committee announced a series of events leading up to the final internment:
- State Funeral: A state funeral was scheduled to be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17.
- Kisumu Public Viewing: On Saturday, October 18, the body would be transported to Kisumu for a public viewing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Burial: The body would then be moved to his ancestral home in Bondo for an overnight stay before being laid to rest in a private ceremony on Sunday, October 19.
Raila’s final wish, according to the national burial committee, was to be buried within 72 hours of his passing. However, his family decided the countdown would begin on Thursday, October 16, the day his body arrived in the country from abroad, where he had been receiving treatment for a blood clot.
The state funeral service for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium was marked by solemn state honors, tributes from regional and national leaders, and a subsequent, tragic stampede.
The State Funeral Service
What Happened:
Friday was declared a national holiday in honor of Raila Odinga. The day began with the body being escorted from the Lee Funeral Home to Nyayo Stadium, a procession that included full military and state honors, mirroring the pomp of a presidential event.
- Attendees: The service drew thousands of Kenyans and prominent regional and international dignitaries, including:
- President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.Regional leaders like President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), President Taye Sellasie (Ethiopia), and Vice Presidents Philip Mpango (Tanzania) and Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior (South Sudan).The Odinga family, led by his widow Ida Odinga and children.
- Ceremony: The service was presided over by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), where Odinga was a lifelong member. The ceremony featured an Anglican service, a sermon, and a military band. President Ruto led mourners in singing Odinga’s favorite song, “Jamaica Farewell.” He eulogized Odinga as a statesman who always rose above self for the nation.Controversy: There was a quiet controversy as two of Odinga’s key political allies, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, were reportedly not accorded speaking slots, leading to complaints of being sidelined by the government.
- Stampede: As thousands of mourners surged forward to view the casket near one of the gates, a stampede occurred.Casualties: The medical emergency response teams reported that two people died and over 160 others were injured, with many suffering blunt trauma and fractures. This brought the death toll in the three-day mourning events to at least five, following the fatalities the previous day at Kasarani Stadium during the public viewing there.
- Official Cause of Death: His brother, Oburu Oginga, stated that Odinga died from a blood clot, which he was receiving medication for to manage the side effects of steroids causing extreme fatigue.Winnie Odinga (his daughter) also recounted his final moments, stating that he passed away while she was with him in India.
- Conspiracy Theories: While the official cause of death was stated by his family, high-profile political deaths in Kenya often generate speculation and conspiracy theories among supporters and the public, driven by the intense political atmosphere. For Raila Odinga, a man who defined Kenyan opposition politics for decades and survived multiple assassination attempts, detention, and turbulent political episodes:
- Political Foul Play: The most common theme in such events is the suspicion of political foul play or deliberate mishandling of his health by political rivals, even though the family clarified he died while receiving treatment abroad.Secrecy/Lack of Transparency: There were general calls among supporters for greater transparency and “answers” about the circumstances of his death, fueled by the shock of his passing and his larger-than-life status. However, his family has provided a clear account.
Rest in Peace😭😭😭😭😭🤧🤧🤧🤧
About the Author
