Three mourners were carried away for medical attention after a brief commotion during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body in Bondo on Saturday.
The incident occurred as thousands of residents thronged the viewing venue to pay their last respects to the opposition leader.
The crowds grew restless as people pushed forward to catch a glimpse of Raila’s body.
Police officers were seen struggling to control the swelling crowd, urging mourners to remain calm and maintain order.
The viewing area was heavily guarded by police, and mourners were allowed to file past Raila’s body under tight security.
They were guided to view the body from both the front and back, following a route around the police cordon.
In the confusion, several shoes and items of clothing were left scattered on the ground as security officers and medical teams attended to those injured.
The three mourners were carried away for first aid treatment by standby medical responders.
Despite the
brief disruption, the viewing continued peacefully as residents streamed in to
pay their final respects to Raila.
Raila's body arrived in Bondo, Siaya County, at 4.16 pm from Kisumu County for a night vigil ahead of burial on Sunday.
Upon its arrival at the Opoda Farm, mourners were heard wailing, with others blowing vuvuzelas.
The body was received by Raila's family with Mama Ida leading the family in viewing the body of the late Raila Odinga at Opoda Farm, Bondo
The body was airlifted to Bondo ahead of a night vigil and burial on Sunday. Thousands of residents had gathered at Mamboleo in Kisumu to view the body of the former Prime Minister.
His casket was draped in the Kenyan flag.
Earlier plans indicated that the body was to be transported by road, but that changed.
Raila's body was flown directly from Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium to Bondo for logistical and security reasons.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the decision was reached after consultations with the National Funeral Steering Committee and the family, to ensure the late opposition leader receives a dignified and well-coordinated send-off.
“The body of the former Prime Minister will be flown directly to Bondo. We want to make sure the transition from Kisumu to his home is done smoothly and respectfully,” Omollo said.
Raila died on October 15 in India and will be buried on Sunday, October 19.
The former premier will be laid to rest next to his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
Earlier, Siaya Senator and Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, officially opened the Bondo home to mourners in a traditional ceremony known as tero ywak pacho, bringing the cry home.
