The public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga commenced at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, led by the family and attended by the nation’s top leadership.
The solemn ceremony saw the late former Prime Minister’s casket, draped in the Kenyan flag and adorned with the orange headscarf of the ODM party, a color Raila passionately identified with throughout his political career.
The viewing was led by the Odinga family, including Mama Ida Odinga, Raila’s widow, alongside their children, Raila Junior and Rosemary Odinga, who stood by the casket to receive condolences from mourners.
President William Ruto, who received Raila’s body at JKIA earlier in the day, was among the first dignitaries to view the body at Kasarani. He was accompanied by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, who had been instrumental in managing the earlier security situation at JKIA, also paid his respects to the fallen leader.
The ODM party leadership turned out in force to honor their long-time leader. Among those who viewed the body were ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Governor Simba Arati, Junet Mohamed, Millie Odhiambo, and other senior party officials.
Several Cabinet Secretaries were also present, including Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Education CS Julius Ogamba, ICT CS William Kabogo, Health CS Aden Duale and Sports CS Davis Chirchir, among others, who filed past the casket to honor the former Prime Minister.
Kenya Defence Forces chaplains conducted prayers during the viewing ceremony, offering spiritual comfort to the bereaved family and the nation.
As of the time of filing this report, thousands of mourners were still waiting on the Kasarani grounds for their turn to view the body and pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister.
The Kasarani viewing comes after a day marked by dramatic incidents. The public viewing had initially been scheduled for Parliament Buildings but was relocated to Kasarani due to overwhelming crowds.
Earlier in the day, chaos erupted at the stadium when police fired teargas canisters to clear mourners from areas designated for senior dignitaries, triggering a stampede that left several people injured, including journalists covering the event.
The Kenya Red Cross has been providing first aid and psychosocial support to those affected, with teams stationed along key routes and at the venue.
