Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport descended into chaos on Thursday as thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga breached security to pay their respects to his remains, which had arrived from Mumbai, India. Despite the presence of elite security units and senior government officials, including President William Ruto, the crowd’s surge proved unstoppable. Hundreds of motorcyclists rode into the airport and reached the airside where the Kenya Airways aircraft carrying Odinga’s body had landed, preventing the President from accessing the plane. Ruto later viewed the body at Kasarani Stadium, where another wave of disorder marred the proceedings.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority was forced to temporarily close the airspace over JKIA to facilitate emergency rescreening and restore order. The closure, which lasted from 10:26 am to 12:26 pm, was deemed necessary to uphold national security and aviation safety. Passengers with scheduled flights during the closure were advised to contact their airlines for updates.
Disorder also spread to Kasarani Stadium, where Odinga’s body was taken for public viewing. At least three people were reported dead and several others injured after police fired live rounds and deployed tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to force their way into the VIP section. The Interior Cabinet Secretary was captured on video pleading with officers to stop using tear gas on mourners.
Odinga, who died on 15 October in Kochi, India, at the age of 80, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief and reflection across the nation and beyond. The government declared a week of national mourning, with flags flying at half‑mast. President Ruto led a state funeral at Nyayo National Stadium ahead of Odinga’s burial on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
As Odinga’s body is expected to arrive in Kisumu on Saturday for public viewing and an overnight vigil in Bondo, leaders in the lakeside city have appealed for calm. Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o urged residents to maintain peace and order, saying a dignified farewell would best honour Odinga’s legacy. Authorities in Kisumu have assured that preparations are complete, with enhanced coordination between national and county teams to ensure security arrangements are in place.
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