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From Jomo to Moi to Kibaki – Raila’s body viewing pulls largest crowd in Kenya’s history
16th October, 2025 01:10 PM
Caption:From Jomo to Moi to Kibaki – Raila’s farewell pulls record crowds. VIDEO/K24TV Kenya has witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of emotion and unity as hundreds of thousands of mourners turned up to pay their last respects to the late Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, marking what is now being described as the largest public gathering in the nation’s history.
From Jomo Kenyatta to Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, Kenya has seen state funerals before, but none have drawn crowds of such magnitude and emotion.
On October 16, 2025, from dawn, a sea of humanity filled the Mombasa Road right into the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as they awaited the former arrival prime minister.
Also watch: Thousands throng Nairobi CBD to pay last respects to Raila Odinga.
Upon his arrival at the airport, a massive crowd overwhelmed security agencies, forcing their way into the area to receive Odinga, leading to a change in plans for the state reception of the late Prime Minister by President William Ruto.
The military was forced to halt the original plan and instead escorted Raila’s body to Lee Funeral Home [before the plan was changed to take the body straight to Kasarani stadium amid surging crowds], albeit sandwiched between mammoth crowds.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 16, 2025,KCAA announced that an overwhelming crowd of mourners gained access to restricted airport areas as they attempted to pay their last respects to the late opposition leader.
The unexpected surge of people prompted aviation authorities and security agencies to initiate an immediate lockdown of the facility to restore order and ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and the general public.
“Operations at JKIA have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.”
“A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety.”
Similar crowds were witnessed in the Nairobi Central District (CBD), awaiting Raila’s public viewing at Parliament Buildings.
Public viewing
Due to the large crowds, the public viewing had to be moved to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, after overwhelming crowds made it impossible for security agencies to control the situation in the city centre.
“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,” UDA said in a statement on October 16, 2025.
Additionally, similar crowds were witnessed in Bondo, the residence of the former prime ministers, as they await public viewing on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
