Emotional scenes as public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body starts in Kisumu
By William Muthama, October 18, 2025Emotional scenes unfolded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, as the public viewing of the late ODM leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s body officially began.
Thousands of mourners, draped in orange attire and carrying peace branches, filled the stadium from as early as 5 a.m. Many sang liberation songs and chanted “Jowi” and “Baba! Baba!” as they waited for their turn to pay their final respects.
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The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) had earlier flown Raila’s body from Nairobi to Kisumu aboard a military aircraft, marking the last public viewing before his burial in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Viewing briefly halted
The viewing, which had been scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., was briefly halted after a group of political leaders crowded near the dais, blocking the procession of mourners.
The ceremony later resumed after security officers cleared the area and reorganised the queues.
Security teams, including GSU and KDF officers, were stationed around the venue to maintain order. Officers at the gates ensured strict entry control, allowing mourners to view the body in batches.
Once through, attendees were directed to exit the stadium and not return to avoid congestion as more mourners continued streaming in from across the Nyanza region.
Also watch: Leaders break down in tears as they mourn Raila Odinga
Kisumu’s deep roots
By 9:40 am, the first group of mourners had begun viewing the body in an atmosphere of calm and deep reverence.
Kisumu and the wider Nyanza region, often described as the political heartbeat of Raila Odinga’s career, stood united in grief and pride.
For decades, the late leader’s influence defined politics in the region, with supporters viewing him as both a statesman and a symbol of resilience and reform.
The event in Kisumu marks the final opportunity for Kenyans to view Raila’s body following similar events at Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani in Nairobi earlier in the week.
The body will be transported to his ancestral home in Bondo for burial tomorrow, in a ceremony expected to draw both local and international dignitaries.