Widespread public mourning for Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga descended into chaos today as police deployed tear gas to control massive crowds gathered at a Nairobi stadium. The incident occurred as thousands assembled to pay their respects to the body of the former leader, recently returned from India where he passed away at age 80.
The day began with unprecedented scenes at Nairobi’s main airport, where mourners carrying traditional palm branches and twigs forced a temporary suspension of flights after breaching restricted areas. The overwhelming turnout prompted authorities to relocate the public viewing from the originally planned parliament building to the more spacious Moi International Sports Centre.
A motorcade carrying Odinga’s remains traversed the six-mile route from the airport to the stadium, accompanied by thousands of supporters who formed an impromptu procession. Upon arrival, security forces struggled to maintain order as the stadium reached capacity, with additional crowds gathering outside.
“We have been left as orphans. He is our father,” remarked one early-morning mourner, expressing a sentiment echoed throughout the gathering. The deep personal connection many Kenyans felt toward Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” was evident in the emotional displays of grief.
The government has announced a comprehensive schedule of memorial events, including a state funeral with full military honors at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday. Odinga’s body will then be transported to his political stronghold of Kisumu in western Kenya for additional public viewings before final interment at his farm in Bondo on Sunday.
The swift timeline for burial ceremonies aligns with the family’s statement that Odinga had requested a prompt funeral, preferably within 72 hours of his passing. The former prime minister died Wednesday morning after collapsing during a walk near Devamatha Hospital in India, approximately 30 miles east of Kochi.
President William Ruto has declared a seven-day period of national mourning for Odinga, who served as a commanding presence in Kenyan politics for decades. Despite unsuccessful bids in five presidential campaigns, including his final attempt three years ago, Odinga remained one of Kenya’s most influential opposition leaders throughout his political career.
The outpouring of public grief and the resulting security challenges highlight the complex legacy of a man who, though never achieving his ultimate political ambition, earned deep reverence from substantial segments of Kenya’s population. As the nation prepares for several days of mourning, authorities continue working to balance public access with crowd control measures at subsequent memorial events.
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