A heavy security presence has surrounded Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi as preparations near completion for the arrival of the late Raila Amollo Odinga’s body from India.
Armed police and military officers have cordoned off all access routes to the facility, with checkpoints mounted along Valley Road and Argwings Kodhek Road. Only selected family members, authorised government officials, and accredited personnel are being allowed entry.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau arrived early Thursday morning to monitor the final arrangements ahead of the casket’s transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“The final touches are underway. Once the body arrives, it will be prepared before being transported to Parliament to lie in state,” Kinyanjui told journalists gathered outside the funeral home.
He praised Raila as a bold and principled figure whose voice shaped Kenya’s democratic path.
“Baba had nothing to fear. He could stand firm on whatever he believed. He would call out anyone — whether it was the Executive, Parliament, or even county assemblies,” he said.
At JKIA, President William Ruto is leading a delegation comprising former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, senior military officers, and top State officials to receive the body.
The flag-draped casket will be transported in a military open Land Rover under tight escort to Lee Funeral Home, where morticians are expected to prepare it before transfer to Parliament Buildings for public viewing. Members of the public have been asked to proceed directly to Parliament as no viewing will take place at the funeral home.
After the day’s programme, the body will be returned to Lee Funeral Home for an overnight stay before being moved to Nyayo Stadium on Friday morning for a national funeral service beginning at 7 a.m.
Meanwhile, within the Orange Democratic Movement, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been appointed Acting Party Leader. The decision was reached during a meeting chaired by Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Simba Arati at a Nairobi hotel.
Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday in India, will be accorded full military honours and buried on Sunday at his Bondo home in Siaya County.