- Hundreds of mourners trooped to the home of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shortly after the news of his death was announced
- CNN correspondent Larry Madowo and his crew visited the Karen residence for a live coverage, but he was unable to file the report
- Mourners kept shoving him around, demanding an opportunity to eulogise the former premier on an international channel
CNN correspondent Larry Madowo was forced to cut short a live coverage of events unfolding at Raila Odinga’s home following his demise.
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The former premier died in India on Wednesday, October 15, while undergoing treatment at a private facility.
The news of his death shocked the country, with his supporters trooping to his Karen and Siaya homes to condole with his family.
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The distraught supporters mourned uncontrollably, their tears and cries filling the atmosphere as they struggled to come to terms with the death of a man they deeply admired and cherished.
In Karen, the mourners were overcome with emotions and could not be contained.
Madowo, who had visited the home for a live coverage session, was unable to proceed with the report as mourners flanked him, demanding a chance to eulogise the veteran politician on an international channel.
Efforts by the renowned scribe to calm down the grieving residents proved futile as they kept pushing and shoving him around. Even attempts by his cameraman to remain steady could not last for long, as the shoving and running around continued for a while, forcing them to retreat and cancel the coverage altogether.
“We tried to broadcast live from the home of Raila Odinga after his death was announced. We had to abandon it,” said Madowo after cancelling the session.
ODM MPs break down in tears
In an early morning session in the National Assembly, lawmakers were overcome with pain and grief when the news of Raila’s death was announced.
Legislators elected on the ODM ticket, a party he founded and led for 20 years, shed tears in the chambers in pain and disbelief.
Busia Woman Rep Catherine Omayo and her Likoni counterpart Mishi Mboko were filmed wailing uncontrollably on the floor of the House.
The Speaker was forced to end the session to allow members to mourn and condole with the family in Karen and Siaya.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the death of Raila was a big loss to the country, describing him as a father and mentor to many.
Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga fought tears as she asked Raila’s supporters and Kenyans at large to remain calm as the family and the party leadership work on burial plans in coordination with the national government.
Heartbreaking scenes at Opoda Farm
Similar heartbreaking scenes were witnessed in Raila’s rural home in Siaya. Thousands of mourners arrived at the veteran politician’s Opoda Farm in droves, crying and weeping bitterly as others moved from around the compound, speaking in low tones.
Raila is expected to be laid to rest in his rural home on Sunday, October 19, just a day before Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
