Emotional crowd floods Raila’s Karen home, overwhelm Ida as she tries to speak

An emotional sea of mourners thronged the Karen home of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga moments after news of his death broke, turning the serene estate into a scene of grief, confusion, and chaos.

Odinga, fondly known as “Baba”, died earlier in the day while receiving treatment at a hospital in Kochi, southern India.

Elsewhere, Bondo residents are mourning the death of the ODM leader at his Opoda home in Siaya County.

By mid-morning, hundreds of Odinga’s supporters had converged at his residence in Nairobi’s upscale Karen suburb, many wearing the signature orange colours of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. The emotional crowd flooded the streets, singing liberation songs and chanting his name.

Videos circulating online showed scenes of heartbreak and disorder: women crying uncontrollably, men collapsing in disbelief, and others waving placards bearing Raila’s image. Security personnel struggled to maintain order as mourners breached barriers in an attempt to reach the main house.

Also watch: Thousands of Kisumu residents took to the streets to mourn ODM leader.

Ida overwhelmed by emotion

Mama Ida Odinga, visibly shaken, stepped out to address the crowd but was quickly overwhelmed by grief and the roaring chants of supporters. Flanked by family members, including her daughter Winnie, she tried to calm the masses and express gratitude for their solidarity, but her trembling voice was drowned out by cries of “Baba! Baba!”

We’re beefing up this story with more details. Check back in minutes for full information.

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