Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto is among a host of national leaders who have arrived at the Kasarani ahead of the public viewing ceremony for the late Raila Odinga.
Thousands of mourners have also gathered at the stadium to pay their final respects. This development came after a last-minute change to the original plan, which had scheduled the public viewing at Parliament buildings.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries led by Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and several elected leaders from across the political divide have also arrived.
The abrupt shift to the programme was announced by the National Steering Committee. It was prompted by security and logistical concerns, with Kasarani offering a larger, more manageable space for the massive crowds expected.
By early morning, crowds of mourners had already gathered outside Parliament, with others attempting to scale the perimeter wall. Long queues stretched along City Hall Way, snaking past City Hall and toward Parliament Road.
The Kenya Airways aircraft carrying Raila’s body touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at exactly 9:30 am, where it was received by President Ruto, members of the Raila family, and a host of elected leaders.
A somber mood filled the air as the casket draped in the national flag was lowered from the plane. Following the arrival, the body was to be moved to Lee Funeral Home and then to Parliament.
Military officers and morticians who had initially been stationed at Lee and Parliament were seen packing up and leaving after the venue change was confirmed.
“At first, everything was set at Parliament Buildings, but the crowd was simply uncontrollable. The mortician and his team have now left in the military van for Kasarani,” a senior official at Lee Funeral Home told journalists.
Preparations at Kasarani are ongoing under tight security, with thousands of mourners expected to file past the body to pay their final respects. Ruto, family members and dignitaries present will be the first to view Raila’s body before the public is allowed access for the official state viewing ceremony. The event marks the beginning of several national activities honouring Raila, whose passing in India on Wednesday plunged the nation into mourning.
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