KISUMU — A wave of emotion swept through Kisumu on Saturday morning as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo.
Before the casket even touched the ground, the air was thick with cries, songs, and ululations. Thousands of mourners, packed shoulder to shoulder in the 30,000-capacity stadium, wept openly. Vuvuzelas blared. Tree branches — symbols of mourning and victory — waved high as the crowd chanted Raila’s name, calling him simply Baba.
At 7:30 a.m., a Kenya Air Force Leonardo C-27J Spartan aircraft, bearing the call sign ENIGMA01, landed at Kisumu International Airport. The code name — a nod to the man long described as Kenya’s “political enigma” — carried both military precision and deep symbolism.
After a solemn ceremony with full military honours, Raila’s body was transferred into a helicopter for the short flight to Mamboleo. Overhead, other choppers circled in formation, marking the gravity of the moment.
Despite a heavy downpour overnight, mourners had gathered at the airport as early as 5 a.m., many wrapped in shawls and national flags. Some had travelled from as far as Homa Bay and Siaya. They stood silently as the convoy departed, only breaking into song once the chopper lifted off.
Along the main roads into Kisumu, residents lined the route, waving miniature flags and portraits of the late leader. As the chopper came into view above the stadium, the crowd broke into chants of “Baba! Baba!”, the sound echoing across the city.
Inside Mamboleo Stadium, a 1,500-capacity dome tent stood at the centre of the field — the heart of the ceremony. Beneath it, a platform draped in the national colours awaited the casket, surrounded by tight military security.
Security was visibly heightened. Units from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and Kisumu County Government manned every entry point. Mourners were screened carefully before being allowed inside. Large screens and sound systems had been set up at strategic points, including Kondele roundabout, to ensure those outside the stadium could follow proceedings live.
Emergency response teams from the Kenya Red Cross and St. John Ambulance stood ready across the venue, mindful of the heat and crowds.
By mid-morning, a line of dignitaries had taken their places to receive the body. Among them were Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Senator Prof Tom Ojienda.
As the casket was lowered from the helicopter, a hush fell over the crowd. Then came the wails — a collective outpouring from a city grieving its most iconic son. For many, this was not just the arrival of a leader, but the homecoming of a man who embodied their struggles, hopes, and unfinished dreams.