Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo indicated that the public viewing of the late Raila Odinga’s body at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo could be prolonged after the initially scheduled 3:00 p.m. curfew.
Speaking to the stadium on Saturday afternoon, Dr. Omollo said that the large number of mourners who have turned up to pay their respects has caused the government to look at extending the duration.
“We must make sure that everyone who came here to say goodbye to Mzee Raila gets a chance to do so,” Dr. Omollo clarified, referring to the huge numbers and orderly conduct of the crowd.
Ever since the dawn, there have been long lines on the stadium premises, where the mourners most of whom have wrapped themselves in ODM attire or carry photos of the late statesman waited in dramatic fashion for their turn to stand before the flag-draped coffin.
Dr. Omollo praised the public for their behavior, describing the atmosphere thus far as calm and dignified.
He assured Kenyans that security forces were on high alert to make sure everything goes smoothly according to plan.
“We thank everybody for being disciplined. Security agents are strategically placed in position to serve the crowd and ensure everything goes on well,” he added.
Final Journey to Bondo
Following the viewing, Raila’s body will be taken to Bondo in Siaya County where it will overnight at the family home at Opoda Farm.
Ground work preparations have been done, Dr. Omollo said, and all safety precautions necessary have been made to ensure the last journey of the ex-Prime Minister is done with the honours and dignity it deserves.
“We have made proper security arrangements in Bondo. All the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure Baba is given a worthy send-off,” he stated.
Sunday will see the final funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST). Raila will later be buried at a private family service later that day.
As Kenya bids farewell to one of its most influential political figures, Kisumu remains at the heart of the national farewell a city mourning and yet joyously celebrating a life that defined the country’s modern political history.
