Kenya Police FC's preparations for their crucial CAF Champions League clash against Sudanese side Al Hilal have been plunged into uncertainty following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The crunch clash was initially slated for Friday, October 17, at the Nyayo Stadium, but this arrangement had to be revised since Nyayo Stadium is set to host Raila's state funeral on the same day.
Effectively, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), through its official communication channel, released a statement on Thursday, confirming that the game was set to be moved to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
While the Kasarani Stadium will be unhinged from any engagements on Friday, questions have been raised on the plausibility of the grounds hosting a continental football match, particularly after a public viewing of the late Raila's body, which was moved to the stadium on Thursday.
Initially, Raila's body was set to leave the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and head to Parliament for public viewing. However, the sheer number of Raila supporters who presented themselves to view the body proved too overwhelming, forcing a change in viewing venue from parliament to Kasarani Stadium.
By 1:00pm on Thursday, hundreds of fans had already made their way to the Kasarani Stadium in anticipation of the arrival of the former Prime Minister's body.
Images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed civilians overwhelming security at the grounds, with sections making their way into the venue with motorbikes.
As this was happening, another contingent of more than a thousand Raila supporters flanked the late ODM party leader's body along Mombasa Road as they made their way to Kasarani.
The magnitude of the number of Raila supporters raised concerns over the state of the Kasarani Stadium after Thursday's viewing event, with the FKF coming under pressure to request a postponement of the match from CAF.
Further, the government gazetted October 17 as a national holiday in honour of the late Raila Odinga. With this in mind, Police FC are likely to play the game with minimal home support since a majority of Kenyans will either be at home or following Raila's funeral.
On Friday, mourners are expected to be seated at the Nyayo Stadium from around 7:00 am. Raila's body is expected to leave the Lee Funeral Home by 8:00 am and be escorted by the military.
A day later, Raila's body is expected to leave Nairobi for Kisumu by 8:00 am for another public viewing at Mamboleo Showgrounds – Jomo Kenyatta Stadium (moved from Moi Stadium-Kisumu).
Raila’s burial will take place on Sunday, October 19 and will be conducted as per the traditions of the Anglican church to which Raila belonged.
