Kisumu is bracing for a large turnout as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body is set to arrive on Saturday at 8 am for public viewing at Mamboleo Stadium.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, a member of the National Funeral Committee, announced that the body will be flown directly from Nairobi to the stadium.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Omollo explained that the body will not land at Kisumu International Airport, as earlier planned, but will instead go straight to Mamboleo Stadium.
“The body will be here by 8 am, Saturday morning, and we expect members of the public, including leaders from around, to view the body, which will be brought here directly. So, there will be no people at the airport to receive or transport the body to this place by road,” he said.
After the public viewing, the remains will be moved by road to Bondo at around 3 pm, where an overnight vigil will be held ahead of the burial service on Sunday at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo accompanied by Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o among other leaders at Mamboleo Stadium, Kisumu on October 17, 2025.PHOTO/MINA“From here to Bondo, the plan remains that we will take the body by road. By 3 pm, we will be leaving for Bondo with the body for an overnight stay by road. Then, of course, the final burial service will happen on Sunday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University,” Omollo said.
He noted that authorities expect some mourners to stay at the stadium overnight due to their deep attachment to the late leader, and assured that security arrangements are in place to manage the crowd.
“Yes, we have the necessary arrangements, working with the protocol team from the Orange Democratic Movement party, the leadership that is here represented, as well as our security officers,” he said.
Omollo also confirmed that the stadium gates will remain open during the public viewing to accommodate the anticipated large crowds.
“This place is open… It will be open. The most important thing is that we know there are many people, and these emotions are high. All we’re requesting is order and peace by the people themselves. This is the people’s function; let them just maintain order,” he said.
He added that final security preparations are in their last 48 hours and praised ODM youth and security teams for ensuring smooth arrangements.
“My appeal to the people of Kisumu and the environs is, let’s continue on that journey. Raila loved peace; he loved order. Just like Mama Ida said today in her tribute, Raila loved peace, and she’s appealing to the country to mourn him in peace. Even beyond this mourning period, as a country, we must maintain peace and do what it takes to keep the country peaceful for us to be able to grow,” Omollo said.
The PS expressed gratitude to residents for the respect and love shown to the late leader.
“I want to commend the people of Kisumu and this region. They have shown Raila the respect and love he deserves, and that is what we want to carry through to Sunday. We expect so many dignitaries to come to be part of this final send-off, and we welcome them. We want to ensure they have a good experience throughout the process,” he said.
Omollo said the National Funeral Committee, in coordination with ODM leadership and local youth, has planned a road procession to Bondo that will allow short stops along the way, giving more mourners the chance to pay their respects.
“Raila is an elder statesman and a senior member of this country and community. We may make certain stops along the way because it’s only fair for those who will not be able to view the body here,” he said.
Earlier, Raila’s body was moved from Nyayo Stadium to Lee Funeral Home on Friday evening, ending the initial stage of the state funeral. The flag-draped casket was transported in a private hearse flanked by military escorts, under tight security.
Initial plans had suggested the body would spend the night at his Karen home, but the schedule was revised to keep the remains at Lee Funeral Home ahead of Saturday’s activities.
Nyayo Stadium had been packed throughout Friday, as mourners lined up to pay their respects. The public viewing was extended to 5 pm to give more people a chance to farewell the leader known affectionately as Baba.