Raila Odinga’s body arrives in Kisumu
The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga has arrived at the Kisumu International Airport aboard a Kenya Air Force military jet, marking an emotional moment for thousands of mourners gathered to receive their fallen hero in Kisumu.
The military aircraft touched down at 7:30 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025, under tight security and solemn silence.
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The body will lie in state at Mamboleo Grounds for public viewing for most of the day.
Residents will be allowed to file past the casket, which will be draped in the national flag, to pay their final respects.
By 7 am, the field was nearly full. Women danced and sang traditional Luo dirges, while men blew vuvuzelas and waved placards bearing Raila’s portrait. Youth groups from Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori have also joined the gathering, chanting “Baba! Baba!”
Early in the morning, the streets were already jammed with residents who had poured out in their thousands, waving flags, singing freedom songs, and blowing vuvuzelas as they lined up along the main roads leading into the city.
The air was electric with emotion as people waited to catch a glimpse of Raila Odinga’s body, which was expected to arrive in Kisumu at dawn for the public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.
Raila’s deep roots in the Nyanza region remain evident as thousands converge to honour his memory. For decades, Kisumu stood firmly behind him, serving as the foundation of his political strength.
Later in the afternoon, the casket will be transported by road to Bondo in Siaya County under full state honours, accompanied by security escorts and a formal convoy.
Security operations have been intensified in Kisumu and Bondo, with coordination between national security agencies, local leaders, and volunteers.
Roads leading to Mamboleo have been cleared and secured, while thousands of mourners from the Nyanza region and other parts of the country are expected to gather for the viewing.
Authorities have appealed for order and early arrival to ensure smooth proceedings throughout the day.
