Emotional crowds defy JKIA security protocol, take over roads

ODM Leader Raila Odinga was a great mobiliser in life. He is living up to his name even in death.

Thursday, his supporters arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as early as 6 am to welcome his body from India. They defied security protocols to mourn their leader, disregarding power and stature.

Not even the presence of President William Ruto, his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri could deter them. Brushing aside military police, General Services Unit and police officers, the multitude took over the airport’s runway, dancing with Kenyan and ODM flags, twigs and banners in honour of Raila.

They disrupted the official reception programme after they broke through the barricades, while others scaled the perimeter wall to catch a glimpse of the casket carrying Raila’s remains.

At some point, security officers surrendered and watched helplessly as the ODM supporters wailed, rolling on VIP's the red carpet reserved for the President.

Following the disruption, a brief State reception that was to be officiated by the President did not happen despite the presence of the military officers in ceremonial uniform and their musical instruments.

Upon arrival, the aircraft carrying Raila's body received a ceremonial water salute, but the scheduled military procession never happened.

Clergy from different religious groups had prepared to pray for the late Raila, but could not as crowds surged.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had to suspend operations at the airport for two hours, explaining that normal operations would resume once the airport was declared secure.

“KCAA informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt Hon Raila Odinga. KCAA regrets any inconvenience and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation," said Director General Emile Arao in a statement.

Normal operations resumed at 1 pm.

President Ruto, his deputy Kithure Kindiki and top government officials were also stuck in the ensuing traffic snarl-up.

Raila’s staunch supporters blocked the road between the airport and Mombasa Road as they escorted the body, and pleas by a section of ODM leaders led by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed fell on deaf ears.

“This thing has hit us. It is hard, and it has hit us right in the heart. I'm sure the way I feel is the way you also feel. It has happened abruptly. This was not expected. It has hit us below the belt. We have received him with honour and love. You have celebrated because Jakom was always with you, and he was your person, and so we must send him off with the same honour and love. I plead that we all go to Parliament, where we will get the chance to view his body and pay our respects. As a family, we plead that you let us prepare his body well, so that we all see him smart in a suit,” Oburu told the crowds.

Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also tried to placate the mourners unsuccessfully. It took the intervention of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who agreed with the crowds to escort the body to Kasarani Stadium.

“Our people, Baba has rested. So that we can see off Agwambo prestigiously, let us take him to Kasarani,” she said before chanting "Jowi!", which resonated with the mourners.

The viewing of the body was to happen at Parliament Buildings, but was changed to Kasarani due to the mammoth crowds at JKIA and Parliament. 

Between the airport and Mombasa road, a distance that takes five minutes, it lasted two-and-half hours. It took about the same time for the body to arrive at Kasarani.

The program had indicated that Raila’s body would arrive at 9:30 am before being taken to Lee Funeral home at 10 am and later at the National Assembly from 12 pm to 5 pm for public viewing, but due to the surge in the number of mourners, the whole program was disrupted as the body was taken to Kaasarani.

Despite the disruption, the atmosphere at the airport remained largely peaceful, with mourners chanting Raila’s trademark slogans "Jowie" while others were overpowered with emotions.

Along Mombasa road to Kasarani, onlookers maintained a solemn vigil as they abandoned their activities to witness the procession of Raila’s remains, which was carried by a military ceremonial gun carriage.

According to the program, the government will conduct a state funeral today at Nyayo National Stadium from 8 am and, later, a procession will be held to his Karen home for an overnight layover.

Raila's remains will depart from Nairobi to Kisumu, where the public viewing will be conducted between 9 am and to 3pmm, and later the procession to Raila’s Bondo home on Sunday.