Security personnel were seen struggling to contain large crowds that had gathered at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, in Kisumu during the public body viewing of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Earlier, mammoth crowds from Kondele and the areas around the Kisumu International Airport had gathered outside the facility, waiting to escort Odinga’s remains to the Mamboleo grounds by road, only for the body to be airlifted by a military helicopter to the viewing venue.
Mourners started streaming to Mamboleo grounds as early as Friday evening, October 17, 2025, for the particular activity.
Preparations for the arrival were finalised on Friday, with the Kenya Defence Forces tasked with airlifting the body from Nairobi to Kisumu.
According to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who chairs the funeral planning committee, members of the public were urged to be seated by 7:00 am to dignify the arrival. Once the body lands, it will be taken to Mamboleo Grounds for public viewing.
There was a heavy presence of security officers from different departments ahead of the all-day public viewing of the late ODM party leader. Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party earlier on Saturday, October 18, 2025, warned against speeches at their departed leader’s body viewing venue on day three of the funeral 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,” ODM said in a statement.
Siaya Senator and Raila Odinga’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, has asked security agencies to restrain themselves and avoid lobbing teargas canisters against the mourners.
The interim Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader has urged the country to mourn his younger brother in peace and harmony, as fatalities were reported during the similar exercise at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday, October 16, 2025, and at Nyayo National Stadium during Odinga’s state funeral on Friday, October 17, 2025.
Thousands of mourners will have a chance to give their last respects to the former premier at the stadium for the better part of Saturday before the body will be moved by road to his Bondo home, Siaya County, for burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
