Major General Nyagah, General Officer Commanding Western Command, is leading the third day of national mourning for former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Mamboleo Showground in Kisumu, according to ODM.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) issued early morning guidelines through a post on X, instructing mourners to maintain order and observe a speech-free homage. “No speeches at Mamboleo Showground. Only viewing. We urge the public to be orderly during the viewing of the body of our Leader HE @RailaOdinga,” the statement read dated October 18, 2025.

The military officer is overseeing the public viewing of Odinga’s body under strict protocol, marking a solemn phase of the national farewell ceremonies.

From as early as 5 a.m., thousands of mourners dressed in orange filled the showground, transforming it into a sea of flags, vuvuzelas, and emotional tributes. By 7 a.m., Jomo Kenyatta Stadium was packed with supporters from Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and other counties.

Women in traditional kitenge danced to Luo dirges, men blew horns, and youth groups sang freedom songs along the congested Kisumu–Busia Road as vendors distributed water. Security personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), police, and volunteers coordinated movement to ensure a smooth flow throughout the day.

Military honours at Kisumu airport

Earlier in the morning, Raila’s body arrived at Kisumu International Airport aboard a Spartan Kenyan Air Force aircraft codenamed Enigma01C. The casket was received with a ceremonial water cannon salute, a rare honor extended through a presidential directive. Maj. Gen. Nyagah led the military delegation in receiving the body, alongside Raila’s long-time bodyguard Maurice Ogeta, who had accompanied him during his treatment in India before his death on October 15.

The airlift from the airport to Mamboleo was aimed at avoiding the congestion witnessed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) earlier in the week, where large crowds led to injuries. Political leaders including Thirdway Alliance’s Ekuru Aukot and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga appealed for calm and dignity during the viewing.

Final journey to Bondo

Public viewing begins at 9 a.m. and will continue through the afternoon. Later, the convoy will proceed by road to Bondo for an overnight vigil ahead of the burial on Sunday, October 19, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the family home. Kenya Airways has increased flights to Kisumu to accommodate the high number of mourners, while local artists have cancelled events in solidarity.

From the national memorial at Nyayo Stadium on October 17 to today’s viewing in Kisumu, the farewell events reflect the scale of Raila Odinga’s national stature. Under Maj. Gen. Nyagah’s command, thousands are expected to pay their last respects in an orderly and dignified manner.