- Mama Ida Odinga arrived at the Opoda Farm in Bondo, where Raila’s body was taken for an overnight stay ahead of his burial
- Upon her arrival, a group of mourners forced their way into the residence before the police got control of the situation
- A video captured the moment, Raila’s die-hard supporters overpowered the police at the home’s main entrance
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
Siaya: A dramatic scene was witnessed at the late former prime minister Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm.
Source: Facebook
This is after a group of mourners thronged the gate of the party leader’s residence ahead of his private burial ceremony, to be held on Sunday, October 19.
What happened at Raila’s home?
Police officers were captured barricading the main entrance to the residence as mourners waited outside.
However, as soon as Mama Ida Odinga arrived at the premises, Raila’s die-hard supporters could not be contained; they pushed the gate and forced their way in.
Efforts of the police officers to keep the crowd from gaining access to the premises proved futile, but they didn’t give up
Moments later, they gained control of the situation and managed to close the gate, barring more people from entering the premises.
Police fight off mourner at Opoda Farm
One man who was among the mourners who gained access wanted to enter Raila’s home.
In a viral video, the man, who was dressed in a black suit, was seen walking towards the door, almost making his way in before a group of heavily armed military officers pounced on him.
The officers, who were masked, quickly restrained him as he unsuccessfully attempted to plead his case.
“In matters related to protocol issues, there is no friendship,” a woman was heard saying.
Raila’s funeral has had instances of chaos as the police struggled to manage the huge crowd that had gathered at Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and now at Opoda Farm to pay their last respects to the political veteran.
Did people die during viewing of Raila’s body?
So far, approximately six people have died during Raila’s funeral.
Two people died while several others fainted as mourners scrambled to view Raila’s body at the Nyayo Stadium.
Source: Facebook
Everything was going smoothly during Raila’s state funeral on Friday, October 17, with the country’s top dignitaries, including President William Ruto and former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Things, however, took a drastic turn when Raila’s supporters were allowed to view his body.
In a dramatic turn of events, several people were knocked down by the crowd, trampled on the ground, and lost consciousness.
Was Raila mourner shot dead in Homa Bay?
On Thursday, October 16, a woman identified as Yvonne Lucy was shot dead during Raila’s night vigil in Homa Bay county.
Lucy died at the Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital due to excessive bleeding.
On Wednesday, October 15, three people were killed when police opened fire at the Kasarani Stadium in a bid to disperse the crowd that had gathered for Raila’s body viewing.
This incident raised the death toll of those who died during Raila’s funeral to six.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
