Kisumu ready to receive Raila’s body for public viewing — officials outline final plans

Omollo emphasised that the arrangements have been approved by the National Funeral Committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who hosted the briefing, urged residents to maintain peace and decorum during the viewing exercise, describing it as a solemn moment of reflection and respect.

“Tomorrow is not a day for celebration or merrymaking; it is a mourning occasion,” Nyong’o said.

“We appeal to everyone to make this a decent and honourable farewell to our leader. Please spread the message so that no one misses the chance to bid goodbye to the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga,” Nyong’o added.

On logistical questions, Nyong’o confirmed that the body will be flown directly to the stadium, not through the airport as earlier speculated. From the stadium, it will later travel by road to Bondo.

Call for Peace and Discipline PS Omollo reiterated the need for discipline among mourners, noting that emotions are high but appealing for calm and cooperation.

“We are working closely with ODM’s protocol team, local leadership, and security officers. The most important thing is for people to maintain peace and order even better than what we witnessed at Kasarani,” he said.

He assured that the gates at the venue would be open early enough to accommodate the expected large crowds.

The governor thanked Kenyans for maintaining peace throughout the mourning period and expressed optimism that the Kisumu viewing and final burial in Bondo on Sunday would be conducted with dignity.

He added, “We request our people to come early. Marshals will guide mourners on how to line up so that everyone gets a chance to view Baba’s body before leaving.”

“We are calling on all of us to be peaceful so that the dignity of this mourning process is not watered down,” Nyong’o said.

The late Raila Amollo Odinga’s body will lie in state for public viewing in Kisumu before being taken to his rural home in Opoda, Bondo, where he will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025.