Just in: Government Forced To Act After Mourners Arrived In Kisumu In Large Numbers, Gives These Directives

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The remains of Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader and freedom icon, the late Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga, were viewed by thousands of mourners in Kisumu on Saturday, marking yet another emotional chapter in the national farewell to the veteran politician.

The body, which arrived at Kisumu International Airport aboard a military helicopter, was received by top government officials, family members, and local leaders before being transported to Mamboleo Grounds.

Here, multitudes of Kenyans from the Nyanza and Western regions gathered to pay their last respects to a man many fondly called “Baba.”

Crowds filled every inch of the grounds, waving flags and portraits of the late leader as military pallbearers carried the casket draped in the national flag.

Emotional scenes unfolded as mourners sang liberation songs and chanted slogans celebrating Odinga’s decades-long fight for democracy, justice, and national unity.

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However, as the numbers swelled beyond expectations, the government was forced to make abrupt logistical changes to ensure order and security.

According to Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo, the large turnout had created safety concerns, prompting the authorities and Odinga’s family to alter the transport plans for his remains.

“The body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will now be airlifted from Kisumu’s Mamboleo Grounds to Bondo,” PS Omollo announced. “This decision was reached in consultation with the family to ensure the safe and dignified continuation of the farewell program.”

Initially, the procession was scheduled to leave Kisumu by road, allowing thousands of residents along the Kisumu–Bondo highway to line up and bid farewell.

The sudden change has, however, sparked disappointment among locals who had hoped to catch a final glimpse of their leader as the convoy passed through their towns and villages.

“We woke up at dawn and waited by the roadside. It’s painful that Baba’s body won’t pass here as we were told,” lamented one mourner in Ahero.

Despite the adjustment, the atmosphere in Kisumu remained charged with emotion and reverence.

Security officers maintained tight control as the military chopper prepared for takeoff, carrying the remains to Bondo, where Odinga’s final homecoming and interment preparations are expected to continue over the weekend.

The nation continues to mourn a man whose political journey defined generations and whose legacy will live on in Kenya’s democratic history.