The final journey of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga began on Thursday October 16, 2025 in the morning with scenes of overwhelming emotion and chaos at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and along the route to the city.

The revered opposition leader’s body was flown back to Kenya from India, where he passed away on Wednesday.

Despite heavy security, the sheer numbers of citizens who turned out to witness the arrival of the coffin were staggering. Thousands descended on the airport, keen to get a final glimpse of the man they affectionately called “Baba”.

The area around the runway and main exit points was soon a sea of people.

The crowd completely overwhelmed the security and military personnel on the ground, and even citizens pressed in too close as the coffin was reverently removed from the Kenya Airways plane.

The ceremonial proceedings were nearly engulfed by the emotional surge of the public.

The moment the coffin was placed into the waiting hearse, the procession immediately transformed into a chaotic and deeply personal expression of national grief.

The motorcade, accompanied by blaring sirens to try and clear a path, struggled to navigate the impassioned crowd.

“It was not a planned procession, it was a spontaneous outpouring. Everyone just wanted to be near him one last time.”

The air was thick with noise as citizens surrounded the vehicles, expressing their sorrow in a cacophony of sound.

The citizens were blowing whistles and vuvuzelas as an expression of mourning.

Others could be heard screaming and wailing in raw grief.

Supporters followed the convoy on foot, unwilling to let their leader’s body pass unattended.

The entire route from the airport to the city centre was essentially shut down by the intensity of the farewell.