Amid heightened security and emotional tributes marking the final journey of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot has called on supporters to mourn with restraint and decorum.

Speaking in the wake of chaotic scenes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other viewing sites, Aukot emphasised the need for order to prevent tragedies during the public homage to the late opposition icon, affectionately known as Baba.

“I saw what happened at JKIA and that could be the reason why the changes to airlift the body of Raila from the Kisumu International Airport to Mamboleo in order to avoid such cases,” Aukot stated during an interview with a local TV station on October 18, 2025.

His remarks came hours after Raila’s remains arrived aboard the Spartan Kenyan Air Force One, codenamed Enigma01C, prompting a last-minute shift from road transport to a military helicopter airlift to Mamboleo Stadium. The adjustment denied thousands of mourners lining the roads a roadside glimpse but averted potential stampedes, as crowds had swelled despite early morning fog and cold.

Security tightened as leaders call for calm

Aukot, who has long advocated for multiparty democracy alongside Raila, drew from recent incidents to underscore his plea. “It was so chaotic and Baba would not want to see such, I therefore urge the supporters to mourn with decorum,” he added.

The JKIA episode, where eager crowds surged forward during initial repatriation preparations, had already led to minor injuries and delays. Earlier, at Kasarani Stadium and Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, similar disarray had forced security interventions, including teargassing that drew condemnation from Raila’s family.

Expanding on the risks, Aukot highlighted the dangers of unchecked enthusiasm. “Let us have some orders, this thing that everybody wants to touch the body is really chaotic, let us have some order to avoid stampedes and losing lives,” he warned.

His words echoed broader appeals from authorities, who have intensified security across Kisumu and Siaya counties. Roads to Mamboleo have been cleared, with coordination among national agencies, local leaders, and volunteers ensuring safe access for thousands expected from Nyanza anid beyond. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, chairing the funeral committee, had urged arrivals by 7:00 a.m. to maintain flow. “Do not cause chaos that will force the officers to respond,” Aukot concluded.

Dignified farewell

His intervention aligns with sentiments from Raila’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who on October 17 condemned the Kasarani teargassing. “I appeal to our people to be peaceful. I know the pain you feel, but this is not the time to do anything that could cause harm to our people,” Oburu said during a press briefing.

“We want to behave with dignity. We want our people to respect this occasion because Raila loved them so much, and they should also treat his send-off with dignity.”

The day’s events unfolded with military precision. Upon landing at Kisumu International Airport around 9:00 a.m., Raila’s casket received a water cannon salute, a tradition typically for aviators but extended via presidential proclamation for full military honors.

In a poignant display, Raila’s longtime bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, shadowed the proceedings in black attire and trademark shades. He had accompanied the former premier to India, where Raila succumbed to cardiac arrest on October 15.

Kondele residents braved the morning chill, waving flags and chanting as preparations at Mamboleo intensified. After viewing, the remains will be transported by road to Bondo for an overnight vigil ahead of burial on October 19 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.