The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has announced that there will be no speeches at Mamboleo Grounds, where the body of its leader, Raila Odinga, is lying in state for public viewing.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the party urged the thousands of grief-stricken mourners from the lakeside city to maintain peace and order as they turn up to bid farewell to the revered leader and political kingpin.
The former Prime Minister, who died suddenly on Wednesday while receiving treatment in India, is being accorded a state funeral. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) West Command, Major General Jeff Nyagah, is in charge of day three of the programme.
“No speeches at Mamboleo Showground. Only viewing. We urge the public to be orderly during the viewing of the body of our leader Raila Odinga. Maj. General Nyagah- the General Officer Commanding Western Command to lead Raila Odinga’s 3rd Day Program”, the ODM party stated.
Final leg
The final leg of the journey home began on Saturday morning, as the military helicopter coded ENIGMA01 carrying the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga landed at Kisumu International Airport at 7:20 a.m. to a water cannon salute.
The casket was immediately transferred to another military aircraft for onward travel to Mamboleo, where Kisumu leaders, led by Governor Anyang Nyong’o, had gathered for the final send-off.
Other leaders present included Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, and Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, among others. Also in attendance were area Members of Parliament, including Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron and Homa Bay Township MP Peter Kaluma, alongside many others.
The chopper arrived at 8:48 a.m. to a highly emotional crowd, with some mourners pushing past security barriers for a glimpse of the flag-draped casket. More security officers had to be deployed to control the swelling crowds.
Despite tight security, the crowd was eventually contained after prayers by Bishop Washington Ndege, allowing public viewing to begin at 9:45 a.m. and is expected to continue until 3:00 pm, according to the official programme.
Tens of thousands have lined up to pay their last respects, with some mourners fainting upon seeing Raila Odinga, whom they fondly call Baba (father). Medical teams were, however, on standby to attend to those overcome by grief.
Security agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service, are on high alert to ensure safety and maintain order throughout the proceedings.
Officers from the National Youth Service (NYS) have also been strategically positioned around the VIP dais to help manage and guide the crowds.
The Kisumu leadership, along with Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Junior, left the grounds immediately after viewing, with attention now shifting to Bondo home, where the body will be taken later in the afternoon for an overnight stay ahead of Sunday’s state funeral.
The former opposition leader passed away in India on October 15, 2025, where he was receiving treatment.
According to his family, he had been doing well and was expected to fly back home the following day. However, after his usual morning walk, he complained of fatigue and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from a heart attack.
