Tight security at Parliament as Raila’s body expected to lie in state

Tight security has been mounted at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi as the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived to lie in state, a rare honour reserved for distinguished national leaders.

The solemn moment marks one of the final chapters in Kenya’s week of mourning following Raila’s death in India on Wednesday.

The military-led motorcade, escorted by police outriders and an army band, made its way through the capital shortly after dawn, drawing thousands of mourners who lined the streets waving twigs and chanting his name.

At Parliament, officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service formed a tight security ring around the building as preparations got underway.

 Raila’s body, draped in the national flag, was received by senior government officials, clergy, and family members before being taken into the main foyer of Parliament for the brief lying-in-state ceremony.

President William Ruto is expected to lead national leaders in paying their final respects to the late opposition chief, after which members of Parliament and other dignitaries will also view the body.

Speakers Moses Wetang’ula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate) are heading the parliamentary leadership in receiving the President and coordinating the proceedings.

Military chiefs led by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri, alongside service commanders and Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, are overseeing the security and ceremonial arrangements.

The body is expected to remain in Parliament for a short period before being moved to Nyayo National Stadium, where a national funeral service will be conducted by the Anglican Church of Kenya.

What it means to ‘lie in state’

To “lie in state” refers to the ceremonial tradition of placing the coffin of a national leader or prominent figure in a public government building, often draped in the national flag, to allow citizens and dignitaries to pay their final respects.

It is one of the highest state honours accorded to a public servant and symbolizes national mourning and gratitude for a leader’s service.

Raila joins a short list of Kenyan leaders, including former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi, who have been accorded this rare state honour.

After the ceremony, the procession will leave Parliament by 8:30 a.m. for Nyayo Stadium, where tens of thousands of mourners are expected to gather for the state funeral service before his body is flown to Bondo for Sunday’s burial.