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Kenyans thronged the national stadium on Thursday to pay their last respects for the ODM leaders after the viewing venue was moved from the Parliament Buildings due to logistical challenges.
On Thursday, Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, led family members, close friends, and church leaders in prayers and in formally designating the burial location. He confirmed that the grave, situated approximately five metres from Jaramogi’s mausoleum, will hold Raila’s remains.
The case had been filed by Michael Onyango Otieno, who sought a declaration that interring Odinga within 72 hours contradicted the Constitution. He argued that such haste breached Article 44, which protects the right of every person to engage in their community’s cultural life.
![[PHOTOS] Standing Together: Kenyan leaders join Odinga Family as Raila's body returns home](https://radiogeneration.co.ke/cms/mugera_lock/uploads/2025/10/dbe3164f-277b-4d2b-b33e-c098c42ea9ae.jpg)
Security at the airport had been heightened earlier, with both police and military personnel ensuring the venue was prepared for the arrival of the Kenya Airways flight carrying Odinga’s remains from India.
The ceremonial gun carriage, freshly polished and gleaming, awaited to bear the casket draped in the national flag. Security personnel maintained tight control around the airport, with members of the public kept at a distance to prevent commotion as emotions ran high among supporters gathered outside.
Armed police and military officers have cordoned off all access routes to the facility, with checkpoints mounted along Valley Road and Argwings Kodhek Road. Only selected family members, authorised government officials, and accredited personnel are being allowed entry.
Dr. Oginga, the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, assumes leadership at a crucial time as ODM begins a transition process following Raila’s death on Wednesday, October 16, 2025.
The aircraft, KQA203, left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 6:30 p.m., carrying a delegation sent to oversee the repatriation process. Within hours of take-off, it had drawn intense global interest, initially ranking second among the world’s most tracked flights before taking the top spot by midnight.
In a special gazette notice issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, the declaration was made under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, giving Kenyans across the country an opportunity to reflect on Odinga’s life and legacy.
A condolence book will also be open at the State Department of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi for envoys and international representatives to sign.
Following arrangements at Lee Funeral Home, Raila’s remains will be transported to Parliament to lie in state, giving Kenyans an opportunity to pay their respects.
Raila’s body is expected to arrive in Kenya on Thursday, October 16, at around 9 am, after which it will be taken to the Lee Funeral Home.