Africa-Press – Kenya. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has subtly admitted that security agencies did not anticipate the challenges that were experienced in the wake of the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Murkomen spoke at a church service at the AIC Kisumu Arina Local Church, where he acknowledged security challenges and logistical strain, particularly during the reception of Raila’s body at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
According to Murkomen, Raila’s passing was sudden and caught the ministry off guard, but adjustments had to be made promptly.
“I would like to thank our regional commissioner and regional security team for a job well done. Many people corrected us as a ministry. But nobody plans death, especially of a man of Raila’s magnitude,” Murkomen said.
Raila passed away from a reported case of cardiac arrest on Wednesday, October 15, in India, with his body flown back home hours later.
Upon arrival at the JKIA, Raila’s body was thronged by thousands of ardent supporters, who overwhelmed security at the main gate and made their way to the runway in unbelievable scenes.
Because of the sheer number of supporters present, an initial viewing ceremony, which was slated for Parliament buildings, had to be moved to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
At the stadium, security resorted to using live bullets to quell an anxious crowd, with Murkomen being spotted urging officers to stop firing live rounds at mourners.
In his address on Sunday, Murkomen hailed his security team for making prompt improvements following the chaos which was witnessed on Thursday.
He added, “You cannot estimate the security arrangements we were going to have. But I’m happy we improved from the airport to Kasarani to Nyayo to Kisumu and to Bondo.”
Part of the reason security struggled with the funeral arrangements was that Raila wished to be buried 72 hours after his demise, making it a tall order to organise a State Funeral with all logistics in place on such short notice.
Raila was ultimately buried on Sunday, October 19, in another eventful ceremony at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
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