There was chaos in Nairobi on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, as thousands of mourners pushed through security barriers and began scaling the perimeter wall of Parliament Buildings as they readied for the viewing of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The body of the late leader is on its way to Parliament from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where it arrived earlier in the morning aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ203 from Mumbai, India.

The procession is expected to make its way through the city under tight security as thousands await its arrival.

Outside Parliament, tension has been building since dawn. Many mourners began arriving in the CBD as early as 4 am, braving the morning cold to secure a place near the gates.

By 9 am, the crowd had grown so large that it stretched past the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and into several adjoining streets.

Some mourners have already climbed onto the Parliament gates and fences, attempting to find a vantage point to witness the arrival of the body.

The crowd, waving flags and dressed in orange attire, has been chanting Raila Odinga’s name and singing songs of freedom and remembrance.

Security officers, including members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the General Service Unit (GSU), and regular police, have struggled to control the swelling masses. The mourners, however, insist their intentions are peaceful.

“We are not protesting; allow us to mourn in peace,” one of the mourners told the media.

The crowd’s eagerness to pay their last respects has led to several moments of chaos as people attempted to push past the barriers set up by security forces.

Officers have been seen appealing for calm while reinforcing barricades to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

The Ministry of Health has deployed 36 ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during the reception of ODM leader Raila Odinga. 

In a statement on Thursday, October 16, the ministry said the ambulances are equipped with basic life support (BLS) and advanced life-saving support (ALS).

The ambulances also have a qualified paramedic, nurse, and driver to ensure effective on-site response when necessary.

“The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has announced the mobilization of thirty-six (36) ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during the reception of the body of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 16, 2025.

“Dr. Oluga noted that each ambulance is fully equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities and staffed with a paramedic, nurse, and driver, ensuring effective on-site emergency response and safe patient evacuation when necessary,” read the statement in part.

The deployed ambulances include contributions from Kenya Red Cross (20), St. John Ambulance (4), Nairobi Disaster Service (3), Nairobi Emergency Services (8) Kenyatta National Hospital 1).

Oluga also noted that a Port Health ambulance will remain on standby at JKIA to provide supplementary medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.

Further, the Medical Services PS said mobilization efforts are ongoing to ensure full emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements continue.

The deployment comes after thousands of Kenyans thronged to JKIA to receive the body of Raila.

The Kenya Airways (KQ) plane carrying the remains of the former Prime Minister touched down at JKIA at 9:35 AM.

However, Raila’s supporters breached the VIP gates and gained access to the runway moments after the plane landed.

The crowd appeared to have overpowered security personnel stationed at the gates, forcing their way into the highly secured area.

Moments later, several military vehicles were spotted arriving at the airport before the procession to the Lee Funeral Home began.

The former premier passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India.

He was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Raila’s body is scheduled to be moved to Parliament Buildings between 12 pm and 5 pm for public viewing.

In the evening, the body will return to Lee Funeral Home for overnight preservation.

On Friday, there will be a national service at Nyayo Stadium, which will bring together dignitaries from across the world to honour the ODM leader.

On Saturday, October 18, Raila’s body will leave for Kisumu, where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.

He will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, in Bondo, Siaya, in a burial ceremony conducted by the Anglican Church.

The Hindu Council of Kenya has called on its members to tone down this year’s Diwali celebrations as a mark of respect for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 15, the council advised that the festival be observed in a more subdued manner to honour Raila’s memory.

“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the former Prime Minister of Kenya, Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, on 15th October 2025. His impactful leadership and dedication to the nation have left an enduring legacy that commands our deepest respect and reflection.

“The Hindu Council of Kenya respectfully advises all member institutions to observe the forthcoming Diwali festivities with restraint and decorum, tempering celebrations as a mark of tribute to the late leader’s memory,” the statement read.

The council urged all Hindu institutions and devotees across the country to avoid the use of fireworks and crackers during the mourning period.

“We would also request members to desist from using fireworks and crackers during this mourning period. We appreciate your understanding and support in honoring this significant national loss with dignity and sensitivity,” the statement added.

At the same time, the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development announced the postponement of the NYOTA Project verification exercise.

In a statement, Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni said the decision was necessitated by the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“The State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development wishes to inform the public, all Principal Secretaries, elected leaders, all applicants of the NYOTA project and other stakeholders, that the national verification exercise scheduled for Friday, 17th October 2025, across the 290 Constituencies, has been postponed,” she said.

Mang’eni explained that the ministry had taken into account the mood of the nation and the directive by President William Ruto declaring a mourning period until the day of Raila’s interment.

“This decision follows the untimely passing of the Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H., earlier today, and the Presidential Proclamation issued by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya, announcing a period of national mourning from today until sunset on the day of the late leader’s interment,” she added.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also announced the suspension of all league matches following the declaration of a national mourning period in honour of Raila.

FKF said it would respect the government directive and halt all ongoing football activities throughout the mourning period.

“Following the Government’s declaration of seven days of National Mourning in honour of the late former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has suspended all league fixtures scheduled during this period.

“We join the nation in mourning a great leader and a passionate supporter of Kenyan football. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement read.

Operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has suspended for two hours following a breach of security during the arrival of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement on Thursday, October 16, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced that flights and other airport operations had been temporarily halted to allow security teams to regain control of the situation.

“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya,” the statement read.

KCAA explained that a large crowd of mourners had managed to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas of the airport, forcing authorities to act to ensure safety.

“A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety,” the statement added.

KCAA appealed to travelers and the general public to remain patient as normal operations are expected to resume once the situation is under control.

“Members of the public and travelers are advised to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice. Normal operations will resume once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours. A NOTAM of the same has been issued,” the statement concluded.

The authority expressed regret over the disruption caused by the security incident.

Earlier Thursday, a section of supporters gathered outside JKIA breached the VIP gates and gained access to the runway moments after the plane carrying Raila’s remains landed.

According to videos shared on social media, the situation quickly turned chaotic as the ODM supporters scattered across the airport grounds. 

The crowd appeared to have overpower security personnel stationed at the gates, forcing their way into the highly secured area.

The unexpected breach prompted a swift response from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri seen on site attempting to calm the crowd. 

The intrusion occurred just minutes before Raila’s casket was offloaded from the aircraft to the gun carriage.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has deployed 36 ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during Raila’s reception. 

In a statement, the ministry said the ambulances are equipped with basic life support (BLS) and advanced life-saving support (ALS).

The ambulances also have a qualified paramedic, nurse, and driver to ensure effective on-site response when necessary.

Oluga also noted that a Port Health ambulance will remain on standby at JKIA to provide supplementary medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.

Further, the Medical Services PS said mobilization efforts are ongoing to ensure full emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements continue.

“The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has announced the mobilization of thirty-six (36) ambulances to provide emergency medical coverage during the reception of the body of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 16, 2025.

“Dr. Oluga noted that each ambulance is fully equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) facilities and staffed with a paramedic, nurse, and driver, ensuring effective on-site emergency response and safe patient evacuation when necessary,” read the statement in part.

The deployed ambulances include contributions from Kenya Red Cross (20), St. John Ambulance (4), Nairobi Disaster Service (3), Nairobi Emergency Services (8) and Kenyatta National Hospital (1).

Oluga also noted that a Port Health ambulance will remain on standby at JKIA to provide supplementary medical support and coordinate with other responding teams.

He added that mobilization efforts are ongoing to ensure full emergency medical coverage in Kisumu and Siaya Counties as national arrangements continue.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

CS Murkomen issued the declaration in a gazette notice dated Thursday, October 16. 

“It is notified for the general information of the public that in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 17th October, 2025, shall be a public holiday in honour of the departed former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” read the notice.

The notice comes after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the funeral programme for the late ODM leader.

According to the programme, a state funeral will take place on Friday with a national service at Nyayo Stadium. The service will bring together dignitaries from across the world to honour the former Prime Minister.

“On Friday from 8am, there will be a state funeral service of the late Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium. This state funeral service is expected to be attended by dignitaries and VVIPs from outside Kenya.

“It is a state event and it will be conducted in accordance with the protocols of state events to give respect to the stature of our fallen hero,” said Kindiki.

After the service, Raila’s body will be taken to his Karen home for an overnight before leaving for Kisumu on Saturday, October 18, where there will be a public viewing at Moi Stadium between 9 am and 3 pm.

Raila will be buried on Sunday, October 19, and the funeral will be conducted by the Anglican Church in accordance with Raila’s faith and family traditions.

The former Prime Minister passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 in Kochi, India.

Raila suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility and was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

President William Ruto on Wednesday declared seven days of national mourning following Raila’s death.

During this period, all flags will fly at half-mast at the State House and all Kenyan diplomatic posts around the world.

“In honor of the right honorable Raila Odinga and his immense contribution to the nation of Kenya, I have declared a 7-day period of mourning across Kenya during which the national flag shall fly at half-mast across the nation and in our missions abroad,” Ruto said.