PS Omollo lauds Kisumu residents for peaceful conduct during Raila’s public viewing
Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo, who Muhoroni MP James K’Oyoo flanked, has commended Kisumu residents for their patience and calm during the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body at Mamboleo Stadium.
“Just like we appealed to the residents yesterday evening to accord the Right Honourable Raila Odinga a decent send-off, they have honoured that request; however, we continue to appeal to the nation to maintain patience as we give our statesman his final respects,” he said on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
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Also watch: Public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kisumu
Initially, the public viewing had been scheduled to end at 3 p.m., but Omollo assured mourners that those who would not have viewed the body by that time would still get the opportunity.
He said discussions were ongoing with the family to extend the exercise to accommodate everyone.
The PS further announced that from Kisumu, the body will be flown to Bondo rather than transported by road as earlier planned.
“By the time the viewing ends, it will be late to travel by road, and we need to get to Bondo before nightfall,” he explained.
He said Saturday’s burial ceremony will be attended by dignitaries from across the country and the region. He also urged residents of Bondo to maintain the same peace and calm witnessed since the arrival of Raila’s body from India.
“In the history of this country, there has never been a farewell like what we are witnessing for Raila Odinga, and it can only be him,” Omollo said.
Also watch: Kisumu residents and leaders mourn the death of Raila Odinga
He noted that everyone has a responsibility to look after one another, and as a true democrat who cherished peace and left the country in peace, it is now the duty of everyone as a country to uphold that legacy.
Broad-based govt
Omollo also defended Raila’s decision to join President William Ruto in forming a broad-based government, saying it was the former premier’s wish and should be respected.
“As the son of this region, we have held discussions with the leadership, and we are in government to stay, just like the Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi mentioned yesterday. No one should be under the illusion of taking the people of this region out of government. We are safe in the hands of this administration,” he said.
Also watch: CS Opiyo Wandayi affirms ODM’s unity and endorsement of President Ruto’s leadership
He also expressed gratitude to the Odinga family for gifting the nation a leader of Raila’s stature.
Omollo clarified that Saturday’s funeral service will be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) before the procession moves to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where Raila will be laid to rest.
