Thousands of mourners pour into the streets in Kisumu on October 15, 2025, chanting “Jowi!” and waving flags in honor of Raila Odinga, the region’s most beloved son and enduring symbol of Kenya’s democratic struggle.
Kenya is on high alert following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a towering figure in the country’s political landscape and liberation struggle. His passing, which was confirmed early Wednesday morning, has triggered a wave of emotions across the nation, with thousands of supporters pouring into the streets to mourn the veteran opposition leader.
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Shortly after the news broke, police bosses led by Inspector-General Douglas Kanja convened an emergency meeting at the National Police Service headquarters before proceeding to State House for an extraordinary session of the National Security Council.
“Today is a very busy day. The top police bosses, led by the IG, met at the police headquarters this morning for a security briefing and are now at State House for a special security council meeting.
“Mr Odinga was a very influential person and the security apparatus must ensure that nothing spins out of control at this defining moment,” an aide to the IG told the Nation earlier today.
It is also understood that President William Ruto is currently chairing the Security Council meeting to assess the country’s security situation and coordinate the government’s response to the unfolding events.
President Ruto, accompanied by his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki and several senior politicians, proceeded to Mr Odinga’s Karen residence to condole with the family shortly after the security council meeting concluded. The visit will be followed by a special Cabinet meeting at the State House.
Between these engagements, President Ruto is expected to address the nation as the country comes to terms with the loss of one of its most consequential leaders.
Supporters of the late ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga mourn at his Karen home residence on October 15, 2025.
In Nairobi, a large crowd has gathered at Odinga’s residence in Karen, where security has been significantly reinforced. Police are, however, on high alert even as mourners are allowed into the house of the scion of opposition politics in Kenya.
Thousands of mourners, many dressed in black and waving ODM party flags, continue to stream toward the area, chanting songs in honour of the late leader.
Nairobi Region Police Commander George Sedah told the Nation that security agencies have heightened their vigilance and mapped out potential flashpoints across the city.
“We have upped our security antennae and are on the lookout for any mischief that might spring out of the mourning,” he said.
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Mr Sedah added that officers had been deployed along major roads and in areas considered volatile.
“These areas include Mathare, Baba Dogo, and Kibra, as well as additional officers stationed along Ngong’ Road and in Karen,” he said.
He, however, emphasised that the police would not interfere with peaceful mourners.
“We are offering security to those mourning even as we keep an eye on hooligans who might try to take advantage of the situation and commit crime,” he added.
In Kibera, one of Mr Odinga’s political strongholds, hundreds of residents have taken to the streets chanting pro-Raila slogans and waving twigs, while businesses remain open but cautious.
Along Karia Dudu Road near Baba Dogo, small groups of youths have been seen piling tyres, a sign of possible protest, though police are closely monitoring the area.
In Kitengela’s EPZ area, mourners have gathered peacefully, waving flags and singing in tribute, while in Kisumu- Mr Odinga’s political bastion- thousands have flooded the Central Business District, paralysing traffic and slowing economic activity.
Authorities have urged Kenyans to remain calm, avoid large gatherings, and honour Mr Odinga’s legacy peacefully. Security agencies across the country remain on high alert as Kenya begins a sombre period of national mourning.
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