By Muhammad Mamman
Thousands of mourners descended on Nairobi’s international airport on Thursday as the body of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga arrived in Kenya, causing widespread disruption and forcing a temporary suspension of airport operations.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for decades, died on Wednesday aged 80 in India, where he had been undergoing medical treatment. He was a former political prisoner who contested the presidency five times and served as prime minister in 2008.
As the plane carrying his remains landed, crowds of emotional supporters—many waving flags and branches, some riding motorbikes—overwhelmed the airside of the airport, interrupting an official ceremony led by President William Ruto and senior government officials, who were there to receive the body with full military honours.
According to witnesses and video footage, the crowd broke past barriers as the coffin was being offloaded, prompting a two-hour suspension of airport activities. The mourners eventually withdrew, but not before causing significant disruption.
Elsewhere in Nairobi, supporters scaled the gates of parliament, where a public viewing of Odinga’s body had been scheduled. That venue was later changed to a sports stadium in the capital, according to his party.
Though primarily known for his role in the opposition, Mr Odinga briefly held the position of prime minister and, more recently, struck a political deal with President Ruto in 2024—highlighting a career defined by shifting political alliances.
He remained a deeply revered figure, especially among Kenya’s Luo community in the west of the country, many of whom believe he was repeatedly denied the presidency through electoral malpractice.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.