Kisumu mourners will now gather at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on Saturday for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following a last-minute change from Moi Stadium.
The county government said the switch was necessary to accommodate the expected large turnout and ensure that everyone has a chance to pay their respects.
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga told journalists, “We have decided to move the venue of the public viewing to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo. All plans are in place to ensure that our people get the opportunity to bid baba farewell.”
The adjustment follows overwhelming crowds in Nairobi during Thursday’s public viewing at Kasarani Stadium, where thousands of Kenyans gathered to honor the opposition leader.
Initially, Raila’s body was to be taken to Lee Funeral Home for embalming before being transported to Nyayo National Stadium. Authorities later revised the plan, holding the ceremony at Kasarani Stadium to manage the enormous crowds safely.
The Nairobi viewing saw moments of disorder. A large group of mourners, chanting Raila’s name and waving ODM flags, tried to force their way past security into the VIP area where the body was prepared and placed in a new coffin.
Police fired teargas to contain the crowd after some turned violent. Reports indicate that one person died and several were injured during the chaos as security struggled to regain control.
Raila’s passing has left the nation in mourning, with tributes coming from across Kenya and beyond. The 80-year-old opposition figure died in India, where he had sought treatment following a mild stroke he suffered the previous week.
A national funeral service is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with local and international dignitaries expected to attend.
On Saturday, public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium will take place from 9 am to 3 pm, after which the cortege will proceed to Raila’s Bondo residence in Siaya County for an overnight vigil. His burial will be held on Sunday, three days after his death, in accordance with his wishes.
The late leader’s final journey has drawn emotional scenes nationwide, with mourners remembering him as a devoted statesman whose lifelong struggle shaped Kenya’s democratic path.