Police struggle to control large crowds during Raila’s body viewing in Kisumu

Police officers struggled to restore order, forming human chains to control the flow of people into the inner section of the stadium.

Military personnel also joined in efforts to manage the swelling crowd, ensuring that the public viewing could continue.

Despite the confusion, thousands of mourners braved the heat and congestion, standing patiently in long queues to pay their last respects.

Many were seen in tears, waving small branches and chanting Raila’s name as they inched closer to the flag-draped casket.

The public viewing formed part of the national mourning events planned in honour of the late former Prime Minister, whose decades-long political career and advocacy for democracy left a lasting imprint on the country.

Authorities had earlier urged mourners to remain calm and orderly to allow everyone a chance to participate in the exercise. Security officers continued to make announcements through public address systems, directing the crowd to maintain queues and exit immediately after viewing the body.

According to the official programme, the public viewing was scheduled to continue until 3 p.m. before the body was transported to Siaya County for subsequent ceremonies ahead of burial in his Bondo home.

Despite the challenges, the massive turnout in Kisumu reflected the depth of emotion and respect felt by Kenyans from across the country as they gathered to bid farewell to a man many considered the face of Kenya’s long struggle for democracy.

Police officers had a difficult time controlling the massive crowd that turned up at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, to view the body of the late Raila Odinga.

What began as two orderly queues quickly turned chaotic as the number of mourners swelled, forcing the creation of a third line.

Thousands of locals from different parts of the country had thronged the stadium by early morning, all determined to pay their last respects to the late opposition leader.

At one point, police officers and event marshals had to plead with the crowd to sit down on the terraces and open field areas to ease pressure at the viewing point.

Officers on horses had to get in between the two lines to control the residents, even as viewing continued.

Emotions ran high as mourners pushed forward to catch a glimpse of Raila’s body, which lay in state draped in the national flag.

The scorching sun and long waiting hours took a toll on many, with some mourners fainting during the process.

Medics stationed at the stadium quickly attended to those who fell ill, providing first aid and refreshments.

Security teams formed human barricades to manage movement as the viewing continued amid songs, tears, and chants of “Baba! Baba!” filling the air.

The turnout was far beyond expectations, reflecting the deep affection and respect many hold for the late Raila, a man considered a symbol of democracy and reform in Kenya.

Despite the challenges, the viewing process continued peacefully under tight security as thousands more continued to stream into the stadium