As the aircraft RAO001 carrying the body of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga descended onto the runway of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), tension and grief were already palpable. What followed was seven hours of confusion, chaos, and unrestrained emotion an extraordinary day in Kenya’s political and social history.

By 6:00 a.m., thousands of grief-stricken mourners had already filled the airport vicinity. Some walked long distances on foot, others arrived on roaring motorbikes or squeezed into matatus and buses, spilling out at the airport gates. As the morning sun rose, so did the crowds sprawling uncontrollably across the airport’s perimeters.

When RAO001 touched down, it marked the beginning of an overwhelming wave of disorder. Thousands broke through barriers, storming onto the runway. Some mourners fell to their knees on the tarmac in anguish, while others scrambled up the plane’s fuselage, clung to the tail, or hung dangerously from the wings an unprecedented sight that left security forces stunned and powerless.

This was no ordinary homecoming. This was Raila Amolo Odinga’s final return the homecoming of a man who had shaped Kenya’s democratic journey for decades.

Alarmed by the swelling crowd and the near-collapse of order at JKIA, authorities made a swift decision: the public viewing of Raila’s body would no longer be held at Parliament Buildings, as earlier planned. Instead, the venue was shifted to the 30,000-seater Kasarani Stadium.

But the hurried decision soon backfired.

As Raila’s body left JKIA under heavy escort, the multitudes followed a sea of humanity pouring into Nairobi’s streets. From the Central Business District to Thika Road, chants, hymns, and wails filled the air. Mourners carried twigs, some tore their shirts in grief, while others sprawled themselves along the highway.

However, Kasarani was unprepared for what awaited. There were no proper crowd control measures, insufficient security personnel, and no sitting arrangements for the massive turnout. As the crowds poured in, chaos reigned once again.

Barricades fell. Chairs and stones flew through the air. Some attempted to storm the VIP dais. Police responded with teargas, and in the confusion, a few officers allegedly fired live bullets. What had begun as a solemn farewell devolved into a frenzy of panic and violence.

In the midst of the turmoil, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was captured gesturing frantically at police officers apparently urging restraint. Moments later, he stormed toward the heart of the disturbance as other officials scrambled to restore order.

Only hours later, as calm returned, were dignitaries led by President William Ruto and Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga able to pay their last respects. The general public was then allowed to proceed with viewing in a more controlled environment.

Following the day’s turmoil, the State Funeral Committee announced a new change: the Kisumu body viewing would move from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, citing security and logistical concerns.

Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo confirmed the decision, noting it followed consultations led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

What began as a dawn of mourning had turned into a day of chaos, passion, and reflection a reminder of Raila Odinga’s unmatched hold on the nation’s spirit, even in death.