Wamuzi News Ke
In an extraordinary turn of events, the planned public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body has been abruptly relocated from Parliament to Kasarani Stadium.
The decision came after thousands of mourners flooded Parliament grounds, overwhelming security and forcing authorities to act swiftly to avoid a catastrophic collapse in order. As of late morning, crowds had begun scaling Parliament gates, prompting legislators — including MP Babu Owino and Senator Edwin Sifuna — to personally appeal to the public to hold back.
The pressure proved too much. Officials say the scale of the crowd flattened barriers and made security untenable.
Chaos at the Gates — Why Kasarani Was Chosen.
Originally, Odinga’s body was to lie in state at Parliament as part of a dignified public farewell. But the sheer turnout rendered the venue unsafe. A statement from ODM declared that Kasarani, with its vast capacity, would better accommodate those seeking to pay last respects.
The logistics shift is massive: mourners already queuing at Parliament were redirected midway, and traffic snarls on Thika Road escalated as the procession diverted. The change also comes amid tension at JKIA, where the body’s arrival was beset by gate breaches and crowd surges — forcing delays in the handover ceremony.
What This Means for the Mourning Process.
Capacity and order: The stadium’s space offers greater control and safety for the swelling crowds, reducing risk of stampedes.Security challenges magnified: Moving the venue mid-process will strain coordination among police, ushers, and traffic authorities.
Public sentiment amplified: The magnitude of public turnout underscores the depth of Odinga’s popular reach and the emotionally charged atmosphere.Schedule ripple effects: The relocation may delay or shift timelines for subsequent rituals — the state funeral, transport to Kisumu, and burial protocol.
