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Speaking to the media on Friday, Omollo explained that the body will not land at Kisumu International Airport, as earlier planned, but will instead go straight to Mamboleo Stadium.
The flag-covered casket left in a private hearse, flanked by military escorts, as security officers watched silently.
Kalonzo also dismissed the effort by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to acknowledge opposition leaders, noting it went largely unnoticed.
Many recalled Raila’s years in Parliament, highlighting his contributions to legislation and national discourse. The session was not just a farewell but also a commemoration of a man whose presence shaped the corridors of power for decades.
Matiang’i noted that Raila’s concern for education was constant. During his time as Education Cabinet Secretary, he often received messages from Raila about schools in Nyanza and Western Kenya, with guidance on improving performance.
Winnie shared how she felt lucky to have had Raila as her father, alongside three other close family members.
The two items he carried hold deep symbolic weight. The fly whisk—an ever-present feature in Raila’s rallies and public events—represented his authority and unbroken bond with his supporters.
Preparations were also underway for Saturday’s State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, which is expected to draw global attention and high-level delegations from across the world. Police said that about 10,000 officers had been mobilized to ensure order during the event.
Nairobi’s head of traffic operations, Joseph Chirchir, announced road closures around the stadium to control movement and advised motorists to use alternative routes through Bunyala Road to access the city centre.
Kalonzo had been in the UK for a ten-day official visit that began on October 8, following his party’s decision earlier this month to endorse him as their presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 elections. His trip included meetings with policy leaders, international partners, and members of the Kenyan community abroad.
Raila’s body, wrapped in the Kenyan flag, lies under the watch of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a ceremony reserved for national figures accorded State honours.
Odinga was born on 7 January 1945 in Maseno, Kisumu County, and studied mechanical engineering in East Germany, where he earned a master’s degree in 1970. He was married to Ida Odinga, and together they raised four children, the late Fidel, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie. He once said Fidel’s name was inspired by Cuban leader Fidel Castro, whom he admired for standing up to the United States during the Vietnam War.