Tears, chaos, and emotion as thousands overwhelm Jomo Kenyatta stadium in Kisumu for Raila Odinga’s public body viewing

Police in Kisumu had a tough time managing the massive crowds that flooded the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on Saturday, where thousands of mourners gathered to view the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

What began as two neat queues in the early morning soon turned chaotic as more people streamed in from across the country. The swelling crowd forced police and event marshals to create a third line to accommodate the surging number of mourners.

Officers on horseback patrolled between the crowds, struggling to maintain order as emotions ran high. Many mourners, overcome with grief, pushed forward for a final glimpse of Raila’s body, which lay in state draped in the Kenyan flag.

At one point, officers pleaded with the crowd to sit on the terraces and open field areas to reduce pressure at the main viewing point.

Under the scorching Kisumu sun, the long wait took a toll on many, with several mourners fainting during the viewing. Medics stationed at the venue rushed to assist, providing first aid and refreshments to those affected.

Security teams formed human barricades to guide movement, while the air was filled with songs, chants, and emotional cries of “Baba! Baba!” echoing Raila Odinga’s unmatched influence and the affection he inspired across generations.

Despite the tense moments, the viewing continued peacefully under tight security, with more mourners arriving throughout the day to pay their final respects to the man many regard as the face of Kenya’s democratic struggle.