PHOTOS: President Ruto, Odinga family lead Raila’s public viewing at Kasarani Stadium

Thousands of Kenyans gathered at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose body lay in state for public viewing.

The ceremony brought together family members, national leaders, and mourners who remembered him as a towering opposition figure and champion of democracy.

The preparations for the public viewing were carried out at the VIP Lounge at Kasarani Stadium. Embalming experts from Lee Funeral Home, along with pathologists, oversaw the process, ensuring the late leader’s body was dressed in new attire and placed in a new coffin.

Originally, the preparations were to take place at Lee Funeral Home, but the venue was changed due to logistical considerations. After the body was prepared, prayers were offered by the family and national leaders in a solemn ceremony.

President William Ruto led the delegation in paying respects to the late statesman. He was followed by Mama Ida Odinga, the late leader’s children, and close relatives. Among the dignitaries present were former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

After the official viewing by the family and national leaders, members of the public began filing past the casket to honor the man who played a central role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.

Earlier in the day, tensions flared as a section of mourners grew impatient while awaiting the viewing. Some attendees threw twigs toward the VIP dais and hurled plastic chairs in protest over delays. Security personnel, including the General Service Unit and anti-riot police, responded by firing teargas to restore order.

Plainclothes officers from the Presidential Escort Unit were also seen intervening as chaos briefly erupted in the terraces. At that time, President Ruto, Deputy President Kindiki, and other national leaders had not yet taken their seats.

The casket, draped in the national flag, arrived in Kenya aboard a Kenya Airways flight that touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 am. It was received by President Ruto, members of the Odinga family, and numerous elected leaders.

Following the arrival, plans to move the body to Lee Funeral Home and then to Parliament were altered, prompting military officers and morticians previously stationed at those locations to pack up and relocate to Kasarani Stadium.

The day’s events underscored both the reverence for the late leader and the challenges of managing the large crowds eager to honor his legacy.