- Raila Odinga passed away after suffering a heart attack while in India, where he had travelled for medical attention
- After chaos at Kasarani Sports Stadium, the body viewing process finally began at around 4:45 pm
- His son, Raila Odinga Junior, paid his last respects, making a heartfelt gesture as his final goodbye
The body viewing process for the late former prime minister Raila Odinga has officially begun at Kasarani Sports Stadium.
Source: Facebook
Raila’s body was prepared in the VIP lounge holding room at Kasarani, where top government officials and his family viewed it in private.
His body lay in state, the casket grandly draped with the Kenyan flag and bearing the coat of arms on the inner side, with his iconic fedora hat carefully placed on the lower half.
Mourners turned up in large numbers to honour the fallen politician, forcing a change of plans previously announced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
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Kindiki had said that after arriving at the airport, the body would be taken briefly to Lee Funeral Home for preparation before the viewing.
As a result, embalming experts had to carry out the process at the stadium instead.
How did Raila Odinga Junior honour his father?
President William Ruto led the body viewing process, first walking up to the casket and bowing in respect.
Raila Odinga Junior was visibly overwhelmed with grief as he approached his father’s casket, walking behind his mother, Ida Odinga, who pulled him close for comfort.
He was then seen stretching his hand toward the casket, signalling a final goodbye to his father.
The pain was written all over his face as he craned his neck to get a better view of his father’s body, memories of their time together flooding his mind.
All the while, his sister Rosemary stood by his side, showing solidarity during their time of grief.
She then guided him in making the sign of the cross, as done by Catholic faithful, before they paused for about a minute, silently staring at Raila, before walking away, having bid their patriarch a final farewell.
Watch the video below:
Netizens comfort Raila Odinga Junior
Footage of Junior viewing Raila’s body moved many Kenyans online who penned messages of comfort.
Here are some of their comments:
Cherotich Chepkwony:
“Sorry for the loss brother.”
Roselyn Kavyu:
“Pole Juniour, Mungu akupe nguvu.”
George Oduor wange:
“Have no worry my friend, God is in control and all shall be well. Mzee knows you loved him and he is in a better place. Rest in peace Tinga.”
Njeri:
“May God give you strength during this difficult time.”
Source: Facebook
All you need to know about Raila’s funeral
Source: Facebook
Did Winnie hand over Raila’s fedora hat to Mama Ida?
In a related story, Raila’s lastborn daughter, Winnie Odinga, was seen handing over his iconic white fedora hat to her mother, Ida.
Mama Ida’s face was etched in grief as she stared at the hat, which Raila had worn even on his last trip to India.
The mother and daughter were then seen engaged in a brief conversation, seemingly comforting each other.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
