The Kenya Times continues the live coverage of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s final send-off.
On Friday, the nation bid farewell to the opposition leader during a solemn State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, attended by President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, and dignitaries from across Africa.
On Saturday, Raila’s remains are being airlifted to Kisumu for a public viewing at the Mamboleo Grounds before the final journey to his Bondo home.
3:45 p.m. – Signing Off
The Kenya Times concludes its live coverage of the final journey of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
From the early morning scenes at Kisumu International Airport to the emotional airlift to Bondo, Kenyans across the nation have come together to honor a man whose life and legacy defined decades of Kenya’s struggle for democracy.
As Raila’s body arrives at his home in Bondo for burial, the mood remains solemn yet proud
This marks the close of our live updates today. The Kenya Times extends its gratitude to readers who followed the coverage throughout the day.
3:30 p.m. – Raila Odinga’s Body Lifted to Bondo
The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been lifted from Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu and airlifted to his Bondo home in Siaya County for burial preparations.
A Kenya Air Force helicopter departed amid emotional scenes, with thousands of mourners waving flags and chanting farewell songs as the aircraft ascended into the Kisumu skies.
Also Read: Rift Valley MPs Donate 80 Bulls to Honour Raila Odinga
2:30 p.m. – Extended Viewing Hours
Organizers at the Mamboleo Grounds have announced an extension of the public viewing hours for the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following an overwhelming turnout of mourners.
Thousands are still queued around the stadium, many braving the afternoon heat to pay their final respects.
Security officers, medical teams, and Red Cross volunteers remain on standby as the event continues under tight coordination.
1:10 p.m. – Raila’s Body to Be Airlifted to Bondo
Preparations are underway for the airlifting of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from the Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Military officers have secured the area around the Kenya Air Force helicopter designated for the transfer, as clergy and family members gather for a brief farewell ceremony.
The airlift will mark the transition from public mourning in Kisumu to the private family rites in Bondo, where burial preparations are in their final stages.
12:48 p.m. – Ida Odinga Arrives in Bondo
Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has arrived at the family’s Bondo home ahead of her husband’s final journey later today.
She was received by relatives, family friends, and members of the Luo Council of Elders, who led her in traditional rites marking the homecoming of the bereaved family.
Preparations at the compound are in high gear, with tents, seating areas, and security perimeters now fully set up for the burial ceremony.
12:22 p.m. – Collapsing Citizens
Several mourners have been carried out of the Mamboleo Grounds after collapsing during the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body.
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Medical teams stationed across the field have been attending to those affected, with some reportedly overwhelmed by heat and emotion.
Ambulances from Kisumu County are on standby, and Red Cross volunteers have been seen providing first aid to the crowd.
Despite the incidents, the viewing continues under close supervision as thousands remain determined to pay their last respects to the veteran opposition leader.
11:31 a.m. – Body Viewing Still in Progress
The public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body continues at the Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu, with thousands of mourners still queuing under the mid-morning sun.
The steady stream of mourners has not slowed since the viewing began earlier in the morning.
Security remains tight, with organizers managing the crowd in sections to ensure order.
10:28 a.m. – Bulls Delivered in Bondo
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has delivered several bulls as part of the traditional preparations ahead of the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The bulls, symbolizing honor and respect in Luo culture, were handed over to the Odinga family compound amid song, dance, and ululation from villagers and local leaders.
Preparations at the Odinga home are in top gear, with cultural rites and security coordination continuing as the region readies for Raila’s final homecoming.
9:44 a.m. – Body Viewing Underway
Public viewing of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is now underway at the Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu.
One by one, mourners are filing past the flag-draped casket, some breaking into tears while others bow in silent respect.
9:35 a.m. – Mourner Arrested
Security officers have arrested a mourner who breached a restricted area within the Mamboleo Stadium, where the body of the late Raila Odinga lies in state.
The individual reportedly attempted to move closer to the main dais, prompting a swift response from security personnel.
Officers quickly restrained and escorted the mourner away from the area as the crowd watched.
Despite the brief disruption, the mood at the stadium remains calm, with proceedings continuing under tight security.
9:20 a.m. – Huge Crowds March Toward Mamboleo Stadium
Thousands of mourners are streaming toward Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga lies in state for viewing.
Many are walking from as far as Kondele, Nyalenda, and the city center, determined to pay their last respects.
9:00 a.m. – Body Removed from the Chopper
The casket bearing the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been carefully removed from the Kenya Air Force helicopter at the Mamboleo Grounds.
Military pallbearers, clad in full ceremonial uniform, lifted the flag-draped casket as the crowd watched in solemn silence.
Tears, chants, and songs filled the air as thousands of mourners strained to capture the moment.
The ceremony at Mamboleo now marks the beginning of the public viewing, where Kenyans will pay their final respects to the man many called Baba.
8:46 a.m. – Body Arrives at Mamboleo Grounds
The Kenya Air Force helicopter carrying the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has landed at the Mamboleo Grounds in Kisumu.
The stadium is flooded with thousands of Kenyans.
Security remains tight, with military and police officers forming a perimeter around the landing zone.
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Religious leaders, family members, and ODM officials are expected to lead the brief ceremony before the public viewing begins.
8:08 a.m. – Body Airlifted
The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been airlifted from Kisumu International Airport to the Mamboleo Grounds for public viewing.
8:02 a.m. – Raila’s Body Off-loaded
The casket bearing the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been officially unloaded from the Kenya Air Force aircraft at Kisumu International Airport.
A military honor guard, dressed in ceremonial attire, carried the flag-draped casket down the ramp in a solemn procession.
The convoy is now expected to begin its slow procession through the streets of Kisumu toward Mamboleo Grounds, where thousands await to pay their last respects.
7:50 a.m. – Kondele, Kisumu Situation
Kenyans have flooded the streets of Kisumu, lining the route from the airport through Kondele as Raila Odinga’s cortege makes its way to the Mamboleo Grounds for public viewing.
Also Read: Rift Valley MPs Donate 80 Bulls to Honour Raila Odinga
Security has been heightened across the city, with police and military officers deployed to ensure safety and maintain order along the route.
7:20 a.m. – Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives in Kisumu
The military aircraft carrying the casket bearing the remains of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has landed at Kisumu International Airport.
The Kenya Air Force jet was met with a ceremonial water salute as it taxied to the arrival bay.
Security remains tight as the body is prepared for transfer to the Mamboleo Grounds, where thousands have already gathered for public viewing.
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