One injured as mourners attempt to access VIP area during Raila’s public viewing in Kisumu
Mini chaos briefly erupted at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when a section of mourners attempted to force their way into the VIP area where the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was lying in state.
The mourners defied security orders and jumped over barriers erected to restrict access to the VIP section reserved for family members and dignitaries.
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In the commotion, one mourner was seen sprinting toward the dais before being swiftly intercepted by security personnel, who immediately moved in to restore order and disperse the crowd.
One individual was injured during the scuffle, fainted, and was attended to by paramedics at the scene.
Despite the brief disruption, the sombre atmosphere soon returned as thousands of mourners continued to queue peacefully to pay their final respects to the fallen statesman.
The late Odinga’s body will continue to lie in state at Mamboleo Stadium for public viewing before being transported to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where burial preparations are ongoing.
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The majority of the residents began arriving as early as 4 a.m., braving the morning chill, while others spent the night along major roads, especially at the historic Kondele roundabout.
There, mourners kept vigil through the night, lighting candles, waving flags, and dancing to songs that had for years celebrated Raila’s political journey and defiance.
The crowd, with others draped in black and orange attire, carried portraits of Raila and waved flags inscribed with messages such as “Baba Forever” and “Rest Well, the Enigma.”
The atmosphere was both somber and celebratory a fitting reflection of the man whose name had become synonymous with hope for millions.
