The body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived safely at the Kisumu International Airport, after it was airlifted by a military plane from Nairobi.
Raila’s mortal remains arrived in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, at 7:20am, under heavy military guard, as Raila makes his final sojourn in his backyard.
The body’s arrival came ahead of a public viewing at the Mamboleo Showgrounds, which is to take place later in the day.
After the arrival of the aircraft coded ENIGMA01, it was accorded its final military water salute, as the military prepared for its transportation to Mamboleo.
When the body arrived, it was draped with the national flag before later being transferred into a chopper believed to belong to the National Intelligence Service (NIS). The chopper is to airlift the body to Mamboleo, where his supporters awaited him.
Before the body’s arrival, thousands of supporters flooded the streets of Kisumu with some even camping in the city overnight.
The supporters even went to the Kondele roundabout, in anticipation of a road procession of the body to Mamboleo grounds. However, upon receiving news that Raila’s body would be airlifted, they began walking back to the grounds.
Back at Mamboleo, mourners had already converged at the showgrounds, with the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, which is located within its premises, said to be full by early morning.
Inside the 25,000-capacity stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Those who had turned up to pay their last respects engaged in song and dance, with whistles and vuvuzelas dominating the air.
Even in their mourning, Raila’s supporters celebrated the occasion, holding placards and posters bearing his name and images. Others were clad in Raila-branded t-shirts, lesos and scarves.
Even so, tight security at the stadium was evident, with soldiers from the Kenya Defence Forces, police officers and even the National Youth Service (NYS) on hand to maintain law and order.
Attendees were screened thoroughly, with vehicles directed to designated parking zones outside the main venue.
Members of Raila’s family were also present, flanked by senior government officials such as Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and top leadership of Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
