The venue for the public viewing of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kisumu has been changed from Moi Stadium to the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, as officials moved to enhance security and improve crowd management.
According to Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, the decision followed consultations within the State Funeral Organising Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The move aims to ensure the thousands expected to attend can mourn peacefully and safely.
“There are a few cases of muggings and extortion within our city. That cannot be allowed in law because it’s criminal. So we request that all our mourners just do it in a peaceful way and observe the law to the letter,” said Leparmorijo.
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga added that multiple entry and exit points would be opened to ease movement and maintain order throughout the event.
“We’re going to open at least three gates for the public entrance and exit and the VIP area will be controlled. We expect rain, so we call on all the supporters of Raila Odinga to come and mourn, but not to be rude,” said Wanga.
The adjustment mirrors the earlier change in Nairobi, where the viewing venue was shifted from Parliament Buildings to Kasarani Stadium after overwhelming crowds made it impossible to proceed as planned.
On Thursday morning, long queues of mourners snaked through the streets of Nairobi, forcing Members of Parliament including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to climb gates to calm the agitated crowd. The situation echoed the emotional outpouring seen at JKIA, where thousands gathered to witness Raila’s body return from India.
In Nairobi, however, chaos briefly disrupted the Kasarani event when some supporters attempted to forcefully access the VIP section. Police responded with warning shots and teargas, dispersing the crowd.
Raila Odinga, who passed away in India after a cardiac arrest, is being honoured with a four-day State funeral programme, which will include national tributes, public viewings, and a final burial in Bondo, Siaya County on Sunday.
