There was drama at the Parliament Buildings on Thursday, October 16, 2025, as crowds climbed the Parliament perimeter wall, awaiting to view the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s body.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino climbed the wall to address thousands of mourners who started gathering at the premises from 4:00 am.
Crowds had filled the area surrounding Parliament, eager to pay their final respects to the former Prime Minister, whose body had just arrived in the country.
The overwhelming turnout led members of parliament, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, to come out and calm the situation, prompting Babu Owino to take matters into his own hands.
Addressing the crowd, Owino informed them of the change in venue for the public viewing, from the parliament buildings to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In an official statement released Thursday, October 16, 2025, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) said the decision was made to ensure the safety and comfort of the thousands of mourners who had gathered in and around Parliament since morning.
“The Government wishes to inform members of the public of a change in venue for the public viewing of the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga. The viewing will now be held at Kasarani Stadium and not at Parliament Buildings as earlier announced,” the statement read in part..
The shift to Kasarani is expected to accommodate the tens of thousands of Kenyans who continue to stream into Nairobi from across the country to pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister.
Kasarani Stadium, which has previously hosted major state and national events, offers a larger and more secure venue.
The statement further advised members of the public to proceed to Kasarani Stadium and cooperate with police and security officers managing the area
“Please note that heavy traffic is expected along Thika Road and adjoining routes leading to Kasarani. The public is urged to plan accordingly and cooperate with traffic police and security officers on site,” the announcement added.
