There was mild chaos at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the morning of Thursday, October 16, as a mammoth crowd overwhelmed security forces, gaining access to the facility to receive former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's body.
The crowds are said to have breached the VIP gates moments after the plane landed, forcing the military, NYS and police officers to form a close barrier around the plane and Raila's body.
Raila's body arrived at around 9:30am as expected, and according to an itinerary released by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, President William Ruto was expected to be among the leaders to receive him.
However, things did not go exactly as planned, as the crowd of hundreds of staunch Raila supporters proved too overwhelming for to contain, whilst the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were primarily tasked with ensuring a smooth transition of the body to the Lee Funeral home.
Away from the runway, an anxious crowd was gathered at the JKIA main entrance, with images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showing hundreds of civilians, presumably mourners, making their way towards a handful of security personnel.
Authorities at the JKIA entrance attempted to negotiate with the crowd, but attempts failed as the crowd forcefully gained access to the airport, chanting phrases like "Baba has arrived."
Chief of the Defence Forces Charles Muriu Kahariri, who was also present at the JKIA, was caught in the crowd and had a brief interaction with civilians before eventually succumbing to the sheer numbers present at the airport.
By 10:20 am, Raila's body was on its way out of the airport in a black hearse under tight security from KDF personnel, who were also flanked by hundreds of ardent Baba supporters.
A light aircraft was also spotted hovering over Raila's body as he was being ferried away from the airport.
Meanwhile, Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga has announced the mobilisation of 36 ambulances to provide emergency medical services during the reception of the former Premier's body.
Another Port Health ambulance will also remain on standby at JKIA to provide supplementary medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.
Traffic situation along Mombasa Road remained volatile on Thursday morning, since the procession of the body of the late former Prime Minister was expected to make its way to Lee Funeral home using the busy highway.
