Security Concerns Prompt Venue Change for Raila Odinga’s Body Viewing in Kisumu

The government has announced a change in the venue for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s body in Kisumu, shifting the event from Moi Stadium to the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.

According to Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, the decision was reached after consultations within the National Funeral Organising Committee, chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

He said the change was necessary to enhance crowd management and ensure public safety. “There are a few cases of muggings and extortion within our city. That cannot be allowed in law because it’s criminal. So we request that all our mourners just do it in a peaceful way and observe the law to the letter,” said Leparmorijo.

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga confirmed that security and logistical arrangements had been reviewed to handle the expected large turnout. “We’re going to open at least three gates for the public, entrance and exit, and the VIP area will be controlled. And as we say, we expect rain, and we call on all the supporters of Raila Odinga to come and mourn, but not to be rude,” he stated.

The adjustment follows similar developments in Nairobi, where the viewing of Raila’s body was moved from Parliament Buildings to Kasarani Stadium after crowds became unmanageable. On Thursday morning, mourners flooded Parliament, forcing MPs Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna to intervene and calm the crowd.

At Kasarani, tensions escalated when impatient supporters attempted to enter the VIP area, prompting police to fire in the air and use teargas to disperse the crowd. The situation highlighted the challenges of managing the overwhelming number of Kenyans eager to pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister.

Raila Odinga is being accorded a four-day State Funeral, as outlined by Deputy President Kindiki, with the final burial scheduled for Sunday, October 19.