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Sifuna: How state mismanaged Raila’s body arrival from India
04th February, 2026 01:08 AM
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna now says the state deliberately let the late Raila Odinga down.
Speaking exclusively to a local TV station, Sifuna cited several instances he believes could have been avoided.
In Kasarani Stadium, where mourners gathered to pay their respects, Sifuna said the deaths recorded were a result of poor planning and a lack of a public address system.
“Nothing prepared anyone for the death of Raila. There are no protocols to mourn a man of Raila’s stature. It hit everybody hard,” he said.
Sifuna recounted the overwhelming emotion he felt following the news.
“For me, even just getting to Mumbai, it was crazy. I feel the state mismanaged the arrival of Raila Odinga’s body. At the airport, I feel that if there were a public address system and the leadership of the party were there to calm the people down, the deaths in Kasarani could have been avoided. They broke my heart because they were very avoidable,” he added.
He also revealed his frustration during the repatriation process.
Sifuna speaks about India’s frustrations
“The overwhelming emotion for me when Baba died was anger. I remember getting on the flight to Mumbai, and when I looked around, I couldn’t see enough of Raila’s friends.
“The police escort and tour of his casket were things Raila was denied in his lifetime,” Sifuna said.
Highlighting the missed opportunities to honour the late leader properly, he said, “Raila and I used to drape coffins of people in party colours, but they didn’t allow us to drape him in party colours.
“That is something I will never forget. Nothing about his return felt right, and the mismanagement hurt every one of us who loved him.”
Sifuna’s remarks paint a picture of chaos and grief that overshadowed the nation’s attempt to bid farewell to one of its most prominent leaders.
He emphasised that better planning could have spared families and supporters the anguish they experienced at the stadium and the airport.
The senator urged the government to ensure that future protocols for handling the passing of national leaders are clear and properly coordinated.
