Officers on horses controlling the crowd during the viewing of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium/Faith MateteSecurity was momentarily tightened at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo after police officers on horseback were deployed to calm surging crowds during the public viewing of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The mounted officers, riding brown horses, moved toward sections of the crowd that had begun pressing forward in an attempt to access the controlled area where Raila’s body lay in state.
Their presence added a visible layer of control as thousands of mourners continued to pour into the stadium, eager to bid farewell to the leader whose influence spanned generations.
Other officers, positioned on the ground, worked hand in hand with the mounted police, forming a human barrier and guiding mourners into orderly lines.
The master of ceremonies repeatedly appealed for calm over the public address system, assuring the crowd that each mourner would be given the opportunity to pay their last respects in turn.
Despite the emotional atmosphere, the viewing proceeded in an orderly fashion once security reinforced the entrance points.
Long queues snaked around the stadium, with mourners filing in one by one to approach the casket, which was draped in the Kenyan flag.
Many carried twigs, a cultural symbol of mourning, while others waved miniature flags as they silently paused before the casket to honor Raila.
Outside the stadium, thousands more supporters attempted to gain access, swelling the already massive numbers that had filled Kisumu since morning.
Traffic was brought to a standstill in surrounding areas as mourners from all walks of life streamed into the lakeside city.
Security agencies had earlier mounted a heavy presence in Kisumu, anticipating the huge crowds that Raila’s final journey would draw.
The day also saw prominent leaders allied to Raila Odinga pay their respects.
Their arrival drew loud cheers from sections of the crowd, briefly intensifying the surge before order was restored.
Inside the stadium, emotions ran high. Elderly men and women were seen wiping tears as they approached the casket. Young supporters, some carrying whistles and small drums, broke into chants celebrating Raila’s legacy of resilience and struggle.
Religious leaders, present near the casket, offered prayers of comfort as the steady stream of mourners continued.
Earlier, a solemn and historic march led by Kenya’s military and security forces captured the gravity of the moment as thousands of mourners watched.
Moments after being airlifted from Kisumu International Airport aboard a National Intelligence Service (NIS) chopper, Raila’s casket was received by military personnel at the center of the grounds.
Dressed in full ceremonial uniform, the officers carried out a choreographed reception that underscored the national stature of the man widely referred to as “Baba.”
