Public viewing of the late Raila Odinga’s body has officially begun at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, following an overwhelming turnout that forced the National Funeral Committee to change the venue from the Parliamentary buildings.
Thousands of mourners began gathering early Thursday morning, with crowds blocking roads and causing traffic gridlocks, prompting heightened security and delays in the day’s schedule.
Despite the venue change, police were forced to lob teargas to control the swelling crowds inside the stadium as officers struggled to maintain order.
As the former Prime Minister has been accorded a state funeral, the “Lie in State” period offers Kenyans an opportunity to pay their respects to the enigma that was Raila Odinga.
Following the official protocol, viewing began with a word of prayer from the Kenya Defence Forces Chaplains before President William Ruto stepped up to pay his respects.
The President was followed by the Odinga family, led by Mama Ida Odinga, followed by the former President Uhuru Kenyatta, then the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The ceremonial viewing order is as follows:
- President William Ruto
- The Odinga family
- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki
- Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
- Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi
- Service Commandants
- Heads of public service
- Cabinet Secretaries
- Public Official
- ODM party leaders
The late Raila Odinga lies in a satin-lined coffin, draped with an orange satin scarf, symbolising the honour accorded to him as a national statesman and the leader of the ODM party.
