The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga will remain at the Lee Funeral Home overnight instead of his Karen home, following a last-minute change by the national funeral committee.
The committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila’s elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, said the decision was made “due to unavoidable circumstances.”
In a statement released by the ODM party, the committee explained that after Friday’s public viewing at Nyayo Stadium, the body would return to the Lee Funeral Home for preservation before being flown to Kisumu on Saturday morning.
“The body of the late H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga will not be taken to his Karen residence for an overnight stay as earlier planned,” the statement read. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
The adjustment marks the latest in a series of changes to the elaborate funeral programme for one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
Originally, Raila’s body was expected to go to the funeral home shortly after arriving from India on Thursday morning. But that plan was scrapped when thousands of mourners overwhelmed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the surrounding roads, slowing the motorcade that was meant to proceed to the Lee Funeral Home before the public viewing.
The huge turnout forced organisers to shift the initial viewing from the Parliament Buildings to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to accommodate the crowds.
Even then, the viewing — scheduled to begin at midday — started after 4 p.m. and stretched late into the night amid chaotic scenes. Police fired tear gas after crowds surged towards the gates, leading to stampedes.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga confirmed that about 100 people were treated for injuries sustained during the commotion. Reports later emerged that several people had died, though the exact number remains unclear.
Despite the disruptions, public viewing resumed on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, where thousands continued to pay their respects to the late leader, affectionately known as “Baba.”
Odinga’s body will be flown to Kisumu on Saturday, ahead of his final journey to his Bondo home in Siaya County, where he will be buried on Sunday.
A seven-day period of national mourning has been declared in honour of the late statesman.
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