Post by : Rameen Ariff

On Thursday, a significant number of mourners gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to receive the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who recently passed away in India. The large turnout of supporters, carrying palm branches and other symbols of mourning, momentarily overwhelmed airport security, resulting in a suspension of operations for about two hours. Once security teams reestablished order, regular airport activities resumed, ensuring the safety of travelers and personnel.

Due to the enormous crowd, the public viewing setup was shifted from the parliament building to Moi International Sports Centre to better accommodate the outpouring of grief. Throughout the streets connecting the airport to central Nairobi, countless Kenyans expressed their sorrow and paid their final tributes to a leader affectionately referred to as “Baba.”

“I arrived here at dawn. We are here to welcome Baba, and our wait continues. There’s a deep sadness; we feel abandoned,” stated a mourner close to JKIA. This display of mourning underscores Odinga’s significant impact on the nation’s political landscape and his deep-rooted connection with the populace.

His state funeral is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, while on Saturday, his remains will be taken to Kisumu, his longstanding political base by Lake Victoria. Following a public viewing, he is set to be buried on Sunday at his farm in Bondo, around 60 kilometers west of Kisumu. According to family, Odinga expressed a desire to be interred within 72 hours of his passing.

Odinga, aged 80, collapsed during a morning walk in India on Wednesday and was taken to Devamatha Hospital near Kochi. In response to his death, a seven-day national mourning period has been announced, and President William Ruto confirmed that Odinga will receive a state funeral with military honors.

A pivotal figure in Kenya’s political scene, Odinga’s career spanned decades, during which he served as a leading opposition voice. He contested five presidential elections, the last being three years ago, and played an instrumental role in the evolution of Kenya’s multiparty democracy. His passing marks a significant moment in Kenyan history, inviting national reflections on his enduring legacy.

#Global