On Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, a planned quiet tribute for Raila Odinga, Kenya’s beloved former leader, turned into a surge of raw emotion.
Thousands of mourners gathered at Nairobi’s main airport, overpowering security to honor his memory as his body arrived home at 07:52 PM WAT.
Crowd Overwhelms Security
As the special flight carrying Raila Odinga landed, excitement erupted. Despite a strong presence of military, police, and youth service guards, the massive crowd broke through barriers.
Chanting “Baba has arrived,” supporters flooded the runway, creating a scene of chaos and unity.
Even the top military officer, caught in the throng, showed the depth of public grief for Raila, a man known as Kenya’s “father of democracy.”
A Protected Journey Begins
Amid the turmoil, a tight circle of security formed around Raila Odinga’s casket. The body was gently moved into a dark hearse.
A small aircraft hovered above, and a large military escort, joined by hundreds of followers, guided the procession toward a local funeral home.
The government had readied 36 ambulances and medical teams, prepared for any emergencies, reflecting the huge turnout for Raila.
A Lasting Bond with the People
The unrest at the airport and crowded roads were more than a security lapse. They revealed Raila Odinga’s deep connection with his followers.
To them, he was not just a seasoned politician and past official; he was “Baba,” a champion of justice. His return sparked a powerful display of loyalty as people claimed their moment to bid farewell to Raila.
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