Raila Odinga's supporters mourn him outside Parliament on October 16, 2025 ahead of a scheduled public viewing that was later moved to Kasarani Sgtadium.
A quick intelligence report shared to the leadership of Parliament regarding the risk of a security breach was among the major reasons why plans for public viewing of Raila Odinga's body was shelved.
According to sources, the surging numbers in mourners who started queuing outside Parliament Buildings as early as 4am created anxiety.
Kenyans outside Parliament on October 16, 2025.
As time went by, security checks around Parliament on the unfolding situation led to the eventual change of venue by the steering committee.
The leadership was informed that although the mourners were largely peaceful, their numbers would likely increase, and, if joined by the ones coming from the airport, become uncontrollable.
There was fear that as soon as Raila's body arrived at Parliament, emotions might run high and with the big numbers expected, anxiety over breach of security. For this reason, the plan to hold a public viewing at Parliament was shelved.
Earlier on during the morning House debate, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had informed the House that President William Ruto was expected in Parliament at noon in order to receive the body and officially start the public viewing exercise.
Wetang’ula, however, later informed the House that the funeral committee determined that the Parliament Buildings would not have sufficient space to accommodate the large crowds expected. This was after he stepped out to try and calm the surging crowd that was at the Senate gate to no avail.
Mourners climb the the gate of Parliament Building as they attempt to reach the location where the body of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to be kept on October 16, 2025.
Mourners climb the the gate of Parliament Building as they attempt to reach the location where the body of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to be kept on October 16, 2025.
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Top of their game
With the President expected at Parliament, it meant security officers had to be at the top of their game. But with the numbers that had already breached a barrier at City Hall Way, the security apparatus could not take chances.
Majority of the people who had turned up in Parliament wanted to be among the first to enter and view the body, as had been communicated earlier by the planning committee headed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Security had been heightened, with dozens of National Police Service officers, National Youth Service team and special units on the ground.
All roads leading to Parliament were barricaded in an attempt to control the crowds of mourners.
At the roundabout connecting City Hall Way to Parliament Road, the police attempted to erect razor wire to block access to Parliament Road.
Kenyans along City Hall Way on October 16, 2025 ahead of a scheduled public viewing that was later moved to Kasarani Stadium.
Thousands of mourners from all walks of life turned up at Parliament Buildings. Carrying twigs and white handkerchiefs, they could not hold back their tears as his remains were wheeled in at the precincts of Parliament by the military.
Emma Achieng from Lakisama told the Nation she had to see her hero.
“I arrived here at 4am. I'm not planning to leave until I see and confirm that he is indeed dead.”
“Who have you left us with Baba? Why did you have to die?"
As the number of people grew, police could be seen leaving the are at around 10.45am. Only ambulances for emergency cases remained.
The police trucks that had been used to block Parliament Road were driven away.
Despite learning that the venue had been changed to Kasarani Stadium, most of them took time to believe the news.
“We know they are lying to us. They want to divert us so that by the time we reach Kasarani, they bring Baba to Parliament. We are not leaving this place,” John Ochieng said.
Others said that they would march all the way to Kasarani or any other place that the government chooses.
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