Tens of thousands of mourners have gathered in the Kenyan city of Kisumu to pay their respects to the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The 80-year-old's body is now lying in state in a stadium in his political heartland following his state funeral, which was held on Friday in Nairobi just two days after he died in India. Security forces are on high alert following the deaths of at least five people at recent mourning events for Odinga.
I have come here to mourn an icon of Africa, mourned Dixon Ochieng told the BBC, as other attendees cried out, we are orphans. People of all ages began arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium before dawn on Saturday, wearing orange, the color of his Orange Democratic Movement, while waving branches, a traditional symbol of grieving among the Luo ethnic group.
Odinga was the main opposition leader in Kenya and notably lost five presidential campaigns, often citing electoral manipulation. He played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya's multi-party democracy and was remembered fondly by many as a resilient leader. Former US President Barack Obama remarked on X that Odinga was a true champion of democracy, willing to put his country's interests above his own ambitions. Odinga’s remains are expected to be laid to rest following a private burial at his farm in Bondo, in line with his family's wishes for a swift interment.
I have come here to mourn an icon of Africa, mourned Dixon Ochieng told the BBC, as other attendees cried out, we are orphans. People of all ages began arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium before dawn on Saturday, wearing orange, the color of his Orange Democratic Movement, while waving branches, a traditional symbol of grieving among the Luo ethnic group.
Odinga was the main opposition leader in Kenya and notably lost five presidential campaigns, often citing electoral manipulation. He played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya's multi-party democracy and was remembered fondly by many as a resilient leader. Former US President Barack Obama remarked on X that Odinga was a true champion of democracy, willing to put his country's interests above his own ambitions. Odinga’s remains are expected to be laid to rest following a private burial at his farm in Bondo, in line with his family's wishes for a swift interment.
