Fears as Kasarani quickly filling up even before Raila’s procession with thousands arrives
By Nancy Marende, October 16, 2025Tension is building at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as thousands of mourners continue to pour into the venue before the late Raila Amollo Odinga’s funeral procession arrives for public viewing.
By 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, crowds were streaming into the 60,000-seater stadium.
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Meanwhile, the crowds on Mombasa Road that were escorting the body of the late from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) began running to hasten the public viewing at the stadium.
The government had earlier relocated the public viewing from the Parliament Buildings to Kasarani due to an overwhelming turnout in the city centre, but it now appears that the new venue may also be overstretched.
In an official statement released on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announced that the decision was made to ensure the safety and comfort of the thousands of mourners who had gathered in and around Parliament since morning.
“The Government wishes to inform members of the public of a change in venue for the public viewing of the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga. The viewing will now be held at Kasarani Stadium and not at Parliament Buildings as earlier announced,” the statement read in part..
The shift to Kasarani is expected to accommodate the tens of thousands of Kenyans who continue to stream into Nairobi from across the country to pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister.
Kasarani Stadium, which has previously hosted major state and national events, offers a larger and more secure venue.
The statement further advised members of the public to proceed to Kasarani Stadium and cooperate with police and security officers managing the area
. “Please note that heavy traffic is expected along Thika Road and adjoining routes leading to Kasarani. The public is urged to plan accordingly and cooperate with traffic police and security officers on site,” the announcement added.