The government has shifted the location for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga’s remains, citing the need to manage large crowds and ensure a secure process.
In an official statement, authorities confirmed that the public will now pay their respects at Kasarani Stadium, replacing the earlier plan to hold the viewing at Parliament Buildings.
Officials said the move is aimed at providing more space and improved facilities to handle the thousands of mourners arriving in Nairobi to honor the veteran opposition leader.
“The Government wishes to inform members of the public of a change in venue for the public viewing of the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the statement read. “The viewing will now be held at Kasarani Stadium and not at Parliament Buildings as earlier announced.”
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale said in a separate press release from Chungwa House: “Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of H.E. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani where they shall have enough space and time to view the body.”
Before the venue change was announced, hundreds of mourners had already gathered outside Parliament Buildings, where the viewing was initially scheduled to take place. Many were seen waving flags, carrying flowers, and singing liberation songs in honour of the late leader,forcing leaders to come of Parliament to address the mourners who were eager to view the body of the late former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
However, the growing crowd quickly spilled onto adjacent streets, stretching security and logistical arrangements and prompting authorities to redirect mourners to Kasarani Stadium for better crowd control and public safety.