The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County, on Saturday evening as his last night with his people commenced.
His body arrived in the military plane, which touched down a few minutes after 4 p.m., led by a motorcade of relatives, friends, and security escorts. A murmur went through the crowd at the homestead half grief, half shock, and restrained pride as the coffin was taken out.
Earlier, thousands had gathered at the Mamboleo grounds in Kisumu, where public viewing of Raila’s body had continued from morning to afternoon. Hundreds stood in winding queues for hours just to catch a glimpse of the man who they affectionately called “Baba.”
At about 3 p.m., the body left Kisumu by air, prompting spectacular scenes from the crowd that had followed the procession from the city.
As per the day’s programme for the day, they will hold an evening vigil and prayers at home led by Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) clergy.
Family members, who are being led by Mama Ida Odinga and Senator Oburu Oginga, have urged calm among supporters as the country on Sunday buries the ODM leader.
“Let us remember Baba as he lived peacefully, with dignity and unity,” Mama Ida had earlier stated.
The funeral service will be conducted Sunday morning at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) campus, where dignitaries, friends, and Kenyans from all over are likely to call.
