Editor's Review

Raila Odinga's body is currently at the Mamboleo grounds where thousands of mourners have gathered to pay their last respects.

The body of deceased ODM leader Raila Odinga arrived in Kisumu County on Saturday, October 18. 

Thousands of Mourners gathered at the Mamboleo Showground to pay their last respects.

Perhaps due to the constraints of time and the multitudes gathered to pay homage, the ODM party announced that no speeches would be allowed during that phase of Raila's last journey. 

"No speeches at Mamboleo Showground. Only viewing. We urge the public to be orderly during the viewing of the body of our Leader, Raila Odinga. Major General Nyagah, the General Officer Commanding Western Command, to lead Raila Odinga's 3rd Day Program," the party announced.

At the venue are ranking Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), state and ODM officials.

The bereaved family, led by the widowed Mama Ida Odinga, is also at the grounds.

The viewing event is being presided over by the KDF officers in observation of President William Ruto's proclamation to sanction a state funeral for Raila. 

Given Raila's stature, the president announced that the deceased would be accorded a send-off befitting a statesman.

Raila Odinga's body was airlifted to Kisumu by a military chopper.

Raila will be accorded full military honours in his final journey, the president announced.

His body lay in state at Parliament Buildings on Friday morning, October 17.

The president noted that taking Raila's body to parliament was significant, having sat there for years to represent the Lang'ata Constituency.

"For fifteen years, our departed leader, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, served the people of Langata Constituency with unwavering dedication and distinction as their Member of Parliament. During this time, he was a tireless champion of justice, democracy, and progress, playing a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in our Republic’s history, most notably the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his tenure as Kenya’s Prime Minister," the president noted.

"It is, therefore, most fitting that he lies in state at the August House, granting the three arms of Government - Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary - and the nation a solemn moment to honour, with reverence and gratitude, the life and legacy of a true patriot and statesman," he added.

Raila's body was later taken to Nyayo National Stadium for the state funeral.

President Ruto presided over the state event.

Others in attendance were high-ranking dignitaries from Kenya and outside the country; Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta were among the leaders present to honour Raila.

Raila died in India on October 15, aged 80.

He is set to be laid to rest at his native Bondo home on Sunday, October 19.