‘Raila is unhappy that you mishandled mourners’ – his sister Akinyi Wenwa tells security

Raila Odinga’s sister, Akinyi Wenwa, has publicly criticised the handling of mourners during the public receptions of her late brother’s body, expressing disappointment at the actions of security personnel who struggled to manage the unprecedented crowds.

Speaking when she was introduced to the public for the first time during Raila’s burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Akinyi, whom Raila always spoke highly about, addressed the congregation with a mix of sorrow and concern.

Also watch: Raila Odinga’s funeral service and burial in Bondo

She highlighted the overwhelming love and turnout her brother received, noting that while he would have been pleased with the tribute, he would have been deeply saddened by reports of people being injured by security officers.

“So I know and have seen the overwhelming love he has received; he would be so happy. But because he was so compassionate, I am sure the only thing making him unhappy now is that some of the people who came to receive his body got hurt by our security organs,” she said.

Akinyi stressed that while mourners were expected to remain peaceful, trained security personnel should have been able to control the crowds without resorting to violence or causing harm.

She urged that such mishandling should never occur again, framing it as a matter of respect and a fitting remembrance for Raila.

“I know they were supposed to be peaceful, but even our security personnel, surely you are well-trained, you should be able to contain a rowdy crowd without killing, shooting, or hurting anyone. So, as a tribute and out of respect for Raila, let that be the last time such a thing happens. I think that would be a befitting remembrance for Raila,” she added.

Sweet brother

Akinyi also reflected on personal memories of her late brother, describing life at his home as regimented yet spirited.

She recounted waking early to witness his morning routines, including jogging and attending to his dog, before leaving for work at KEBS.

Also watch: Leaders stream into Jaramogi University for Raila’s final rites

She recalled his strictness with punctuality, the introduction of attendance registers at work, and the attention he paid to detail, even with family and staff.

“Back then, staying at Raila’s house was a nightmare. He would wake us up at 4 am, no matter what time he went to sleep. There would be a commotion; he was already going to take his morning jog and maybe take his dog for a walk. By 6 am, he was ready to leave for work, and he was working at KEBS. When you were working under him, you could not be late, because if the boss was already there, you could not even lie that you arrived early. He even introduced an attendance register where you had to clock in, and he knew what time you had arrived,” Akinyi recalled.

Akinyi revealed that while they often disagreed and even engaged in heated arguments, her brother valued her input, often looking to her during discussions about political moves, knowing she would challenge him.

“Let me say that, as a family, I know most of you won’t believe it, but we used to have our differences. Even now, we have Raila, and I sometimes used to have very hot arguments with him. That is why, sometimes, when he was explaining his political moves, he would be looking at me, because he knew I would not spare him,” she added.

Also watch: Tension at Kasarani as police fire tear gas to control crowds before Raila’s body viewing

The comments come after thousands of Kenyans had converged at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kasarani Stadium, and later Nyayo Stadium to pay respects to the late former Prime Minister, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, following a cardiac arrest in India.

The public viewings were marked by large crowds and moments of tension as security struggled to manage the inflow of mourners.

VOCAL Africa confirmed that three people lost their lives during the Kasarani Stadium viewing, with their bodies received at the city mortuary.

“VOCAL Africa confirms that three bodies from Kasarani have been received this evening at City Mortuary. We are closely following up whether more bodies may have been taken to other facilities,” the organisation wrote on Facebook.

The Kasarani venue, originally scheduled to accommodate the viewing, had to be relocated from Parliament Buildings to cater for the massive turnout.

By early afternoon, the stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, was rapidly filling, prompting fears of overcrowding.

Police deployed tear gas to contain crowds, causing panic among attendees, while social media videos captured scenes of chaos, with mourners sprawling on the ground amid smoke and commotion.