Thousands of mourners attended the funeral of former ruler Ceriaca Odinga at the National Stadium in the Kenyan capital.
Many carried national flags, portraits of the late leader, and wore T-shirts printed with his image to pay their last respects.
Security remains tight in and around the stadium, with police and military personnel deployed to prevent a repeat of the chaos witnessed on Thursday during the funeral.
At least three people were killed after police fired guns and tear gas in an attempt to contain large crowds that had already escorted India to the country’s airport after the death on Wednesday.
A military procession leads the service with Odinga’s Casket draped in the Kenyan flag [Reuters]
The presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia are among the regional leaders who attended the funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium.
As Odinga’s body entered the arena in a ceremonial military parade, mourners broke up into a procession, whistles and chants.
They chewed “Utia seilale, bado Matambano”, a popular Swahili political slogan, which translates as “Oarlwa, we don’t sleep, the struggle never ends”.
It is a symbolic appeal for the leader’s restless spirit to remain vigilant, as his political struggle continues.
During the funeral ceremony, President William Ruto led the mourners in singing the favorite Reggae Reggae song, Jamaican Farewell.
His widow, Ida urged Kenyans to support peace and unity as they mourned the death of the prime minister.
“Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed. Greed that has affected the fabric of our society,” he added.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta brought a moment of warmth to the Sombre ceremony as he recalled the funny and revealing moments he shared with Odinga.
“Sometimes after work, we would just sit, talk and laugh,” said Kenyatta, who backed Odinga’s unsuccessful fifth presidential bid in 2022, after beating him five years earlier.
Bishop David Kodiya, who led the service, said Odinga never used his political power and money to intimidate people.
Earlier on Friday morning, Odinga’s body was taken to Parliament, where MPs and elected officials viewed it.
Mourners have been carrying palm branches and fronds [Reuters]
Odinga, a major figure in Kenya’s political scene, died on Wednesday at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.
Mourners have been carrying palm branches and fronds, a symbol of mourning and grief among the Luon Enthinic where Oringa was an immigrant Oringa.
On Saturday his body will be sent to Kisumu, a city in western Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria – his political stronghold.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the body before it is buried on Sunday at his farm in Bondo, about 40 kilometers) west of Kisumu.
According to the family, it was Odinga’s wish to be laid to rest in the shortest possible time, ideally within 72 hours.
A period of seven days of mourning has been declared.
He was a cool figure in Peyan Politics and for many years was the country’s main opposition leader, losing five presidential campaigns, most recently three years ago.
Odinga also said that he was reduced to victory, to expose vote rigging.
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