- Former prime minister Raila Odinga’s body arrived at the Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, for public viewing
- The country’s top dignitaries, including President William Ruto, ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, among others, were present
- Raila’s casket had unique features, including the country’s emblem and an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) sash
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
Nairobi: The body of the former prime minister, Raila Odinga, has finally arrived at the Kasarani stadium for public viewing.
Source: Facebook
The casket of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader featured unique elements that honoured his role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
What were features of Raila Odinga’s casket?
The political veteran’s casket featured the country’s emblem, with two lions symbolising protection, holding two spears and a traditional East African shield.
Source: Facebook
The shield and spears symbolise unity and the defence of freedom. Raila’s casket was also draped with an orange sash.
Orange is the colour of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, founded in 2005.
On top of the brown coffin was Raila’s signature cap, which he frequently wore during public appearances and political rallies.
Raila’s coffin, like those of other deceased high dignitaries in the country, was draped in the Kenyan flag before being opened.
Kenyans allowed to view Raila’s body
The members of the public were finally allowed to view the body of the former prime minister in an orderly manner, one after the other.
This was after President William Ruto, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi viewed the body.
The wife of the late political veteran, Ida Odinga, and her children were also among the first people to view the body.
What else you need to know about Raila’s death
When will Raila be buried?
The national burial committee responsible for the planning of Raila’s funeral stated that the burial ceremony will be conducted on Sunday, October 19.
The committee, which is co-chaired by the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, stated that Raila’s final wish was buried within 72 hours.
However, the family stated that since Raila did not anticipate dying while receiving treatment abroad, the 72-hour countdown would begin on Thursday, October 16, when his body arrived in the country.
Speaking at Raila’s official residence, Kindiki highlighted a chronology of events that would lead to Raila’s burial.
After the body of the party leader was repatriated to the country, the body was transported to the Kasarani Stadium for public viewing.
Kindiki stated that on Friday, October 17, a state funeral would be held at the Nyayo Stadium starting at 8 am.
The event will be attended by high dignitaries across the globe and conducted according to the last wishes of Raila.
On Saturday, October 18, the body of the late would be transported to Kisumu, where a public viewing would take place from 9 am to 3 pm.
The body would later be transported to Bondo, his ancestral home, for an overnight stay before being laid to rest on Sunday, October 19.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
