The repatriation of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body to Nairobi on Thursday, October 16, 2025, is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions across key city routes.
The body is scheduled to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 am, and all surrounding airport access roads are already closed as of 7.30 am to allow for the official reception.
With President William Ruto expected to receive Odinga’s body at JKIA, traffic flow along Mombasa Road is likely to the interrupted. Motorists can use the Expressway to connect Mlolongo to Waiyaki Way to avoid the snarl-up.
From JKIA, the body will be taken to Lee Funeral Home for treatment and then to Parliament Buildings for public viewing from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, before being moved back to lie overnight at Lee Funeral Home.
Lists of Nairobi Roads to be Affected
As a result, there will be temporary road closures around the Parliament premises, including Moi Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue, to facilitate the parliamentary procession.
JKIA Access Routes
- Mombasa Road (especially from JKIA toward the city)
- Airport North Road and Airport South Road
- Lang’ata Road (as a possible diversion or connecting route
City Centre / CBD approaches toward Parliament Buildings
Haile Selassie Avenue
As a major thoroughfare in Nairobi’s CBD, the intersection of Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue will experience heavy traffic due to the parliamentary procession and road closures.
Vehicles will be diverted around Parliament Buildings, slowing movement from late morning through mid-afternoon.
Commuters should avoid this corridor where possible.
Kenyatta Avenue
Kenyatta Avenue connects key intersections in the CBD and provides access to Parliament Buildings.
Temporary closures during the procession are expected to create significant bottlenecks, particularly between Parliament and Harambee Avenue.
Also Read: NPS Lists Roads That Will Be Closed on Friday and Alternative Routes
Drivers can use alternative routes, including University Way or city ring roads.
Additional roads include State House Road / Harambee Avenue and Uhuru Highway / Kimathi Street corridor.
Routes connecting Lee Funeral Home
The procession to Lee Funeral Home, where the body will be taken from JKIA and later to parliament, then back for an overnight stay, is expected to impact surrounding roads.
Road users should anticipate increased traffic and limited parking around the facility.
The following routes might be affected:
Also Read: NPS Lists Roads to Be Closed and All Diversions Ahead of CHAN Final
Nairobi suburbs to downtown
- Ngong Road
- Muthangari Road / Chiromo Road (for traffic from the west side)
- Jogoo Road (for traffic from Eastlands / outer areas entering the city centre)
East–West and ring corridors
- Haile Selassie / Jogoo / Uhuru Highway intersections
- Mombasa Road – Likoni Road junctions
- Eastern Bypass / Nairobi Expressway (if in use for diversion or VIP transit)
Key bottlenecks & junctions
- City ring-road junctions around Kenyatta Avenue / University Way
- Nyayo House and Parliament surroundings
- Bridges and underpasses near the Central Business District
- Major roundabouts like Roundabout 1 (Haile Selassie / Haile Selassie junctions)
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
