Security enhanced at Raila homes ahead of burial

Security was enhanced at the Nairobi and Bondo homes of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as part of efforts to ensure a smooth burial on Sunday.

Police authorities said they feared chaos could break out among some of the mourners.

This followed reports from several mourners who said they had been harassed and robbed by goons hiding among supporters.

In Nairobi, police mounted roadblocks at the entrance leading to Odinga’s home.
Police said they had enhanced security at both homes.
The National Security Council met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of President William Ruto and ordered the deployment of additional security personnel.

Several people have complained of being harassed and robbed by goons taking advantage of Odinga’s death.

Odinga died in India following a heart attack.

There was chaos in Nairobi after rowdy mourners breached major security installations following the arrival of Odinga’s body from India on Thursday.
This forced security agencies to revise earlier burial plans.

For instance, there was a major security breach at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday after crowds of mourners and boda boda riders gained access to the State Pavilion during the arrival of the body.

At Parliament Buildings, officials had to cancel a planned public viewing after they were overwhelmed by the crowd.

This prompted authorities to relocate the public viewing from Parliament to Kasarani Stadium.

At Lee Funeral Home, security was also heightened after reports of a security breach.
Officials canceled plans to hold the body there briefly and decided to move it directly to Kasarani.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced a temporary closure of the airspace over JKIA from 10:26 a.m. to 12:26 p.m. to facilitate enhanced security rescreening operations following the arrival of the remains.
Seven flights were diverted.

“The safety and security of our passengers, staff, and all airport users is our highest priority, and this action is part of our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest security standards,” said KAA acting Managing Director Mohamed Gedi.

“Passengers with flights scheduled during this period are strongly advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest information on flight statuses and potential adjustments to their travel itineraries,” he added.

The unexpected surge at the airport disrupted the official reception programme, forcing security officers to momentarily lose control of the situation as emotional supporters broke through barriers to catch a glimpse of the hearse carrying Raila's remains.

Efforts by joint security personnel from the military and the GSU to contain the crowd proved futile as hundreds pushed past barricades, while others scaled the perimeter wall, chanting Raila’s name and waving twigs.

Boda boda riders who gained access to the facility rode into restricted areas, further overwhelming officers on duty.