From Kisumu, Eldoret to Coast, nation honours man who 'spoke for oppressed'

The country woke up with a sense of pent-up anxiety. Forlorn figures started gathering in public spaces and hotels early in the morning, as teary eyes and hearts followed the return of Raila Odinga's remains to the country.

The scene was similar in many towns across the country. Closed shops and gloom from grieving residents merged with the grey edges of a dark morning.

In the background, the hum of processions was the soundtrack of a country struggling to come to terms with the death of a man who strode the country's politics like a colossus.

In Kisumu and Bondo, Siaya, people wept, and others sang Luo dirges as they watched in pain the body of their son—draped in Kenyan colours—emerge from the hold of Kenya Airways flight RAO001.

For many, this was a moment they had not prepared for—a moment of heartbreak and a period of untold pain and suffering. Some employers allowed their staff a few days off to mourn a king whose influence will remain imprinted in the annals of Kenyan history.

At the Kisumu Boys roundabout, mourners were glued to the giant screen that Governor Anyang' Nyong’o’s administration had erected.

Security agencies were working around the clock to draft a security arrangement ahead of the arrival of Raila’s body in Kisumu tomorrow. Following the events in Nairobi when Raila's body landed at JKIA, it is feared that Kisumu could similarly become a security nightmare.

A public viewing of the body will be undertaken at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium between 9am and 3pm. Afterwards, the body will be driven to Bondo for an overnight stay before his burial on Sunday.

There was minimal business activity in both Bondo and Siaya towns as residents sat in groups, recounting the life and times of their son.

Michael Owino, a resident, described the atmosphere as heartbreaking. "It will not be the same again. We have lost an icon—the pillar of our community and a national leader who gave his all to the country," he said.

At Raila's Opoda farm and at his father's homestead, Kang'o ka Jaramogi, where Raila will be buried, tears ran freely. The compound that once echoed with political discussions and laughter now hummed with quiet grief. 

In Mombasa, residents held street processions and thronged Uhuru Gardens along Moi Avenue, where they lit candles in honour of the former Prime Minister. The residents, including religious leaders, youths, men, and women led by Lamu ODM chairperson Aisha Nizar, held a procession from the Treasury Square under police escort.

Mourners sang and danced as they braved the coastal heat to mourn the ODM party leader.

Nizar equated Raila to a fallen baobab tree, which he had dominated for two decades as his support base. ODM leaders had chosen Mombasa as the main venue for the celebration of the party’s 20th anniversary next month.

“We want peace while mourning Raila. We do not want ugly incidents that will tarnish the name of Raila,” said Nizar.

Drum beats from Israel Church members whipped up emotions among mourners, who danced to the tune as the procession snaked from Treasury Square, along Nkrumah Road to Fontanela Roundabout.

Tourists who were caught unaware took pictures of the dancing mourners.

In Eldoret, people will follow today’s State funeral service through two giant screens in the city. The screens will be mounted at Zion Mall and Eldoret Sports Club.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said at least 20,000 people are expected. “I was a close friend of Raila’s son, the late Fidel Odinga, and by extension, I became a friend of his family,” he said.

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea said the county is honouring the ex-premier for his role in ensuring devolution in the 2010 Constitution.

In Migori, unlike on Wednesday when people filled the streets and some shops closed for the better part of the day, the town experienced calm as business went on as usual.

On Wednesday night, there was tension at Migori footbridge, where police officers lobbed teargas canisters to disperse a rowdy crowd .Suna East Sub-County Police Commander Samuel Boit said the youth had used boulders to block the Migori-Rongo Road.

Governor Ochilo Ayacko described Raila as a beacon of hope in the darkest of nights, a warrior for justice, a reformer, a dreamer, Africa’s son with a conscience so vast, and a statesman of dignity.

He said Raila dared to speak in the halls of power and stood tall through trials and tribulations. "He was a leader for all, with a compassionate hand." 

County Assembly Speaker Christopher Rusana, who issued a statement on behalf of assembly members, eulogised Raila as a visionary statesman, reformist, and patriot whose life and service profoundly shaped the nation.

He said Raila's voice became the conscience of the nation, speaking boldly for the oppressed, defending the rule of law, and promoting equity and inclusivity in governance.

Reports by Harold Odhiambo, Rodgers Otiso, Olivia Odhiambo, Isaiah Gwengi, Clinton Ambujo, James Omoro, Stephen Rutto, Anne Atieno and Willis Oketch