Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in Kisumu, western Kenya, on Saturday to witness the return of the body of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died at the age of 80 from a suspected heart attack in India on Wednesday. The huge turnout marked the most significant day of mourning since his passing, reflecting the deep affection and influence he commanded among Kenyans, particularly in his Luo homeland.

As Odinga’s coffin arrived by helicopter, cries of “Baba” and “We are orphans” rang out among the crowd, with many expressing grief over the loss of the veteran politician. The arrival sparked immediate concern for public safety, as a large group of mourners breached security barriers and clambered over walls outside the stadium in Kisumu, raising fears of chaos.

AFP journalists on the scene reported that at least five people have already died this week amid ongoing mourning activities. Authorities faced the challenge of managing vast crowds while allowing citizens to pay their respects, highlighting both the magnitude of Odinga’s legacy and the risks associated with mass gatherings in times of national grief.