Siaya Senator and acting ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga has addressed the confusion surrounding the coffin that carried the late Raila Odinga’s body from India to Kenya, confirming that the one presented at Kasarani Stadium was different from the one that arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Speaking to the media, Oburu explained that the change of coffin was necessary due to cultural and procedural differences between India and Kenya.
“In India, they normally cremate bodies, not bury them in coffins,” Oburu clarified. “The coffin that Raila’s body arrived in wasn’t a proper one for a state funeral. Therefore, we needed to dress his body properly and place him in a decent coffin before presenting it for public viewing.”
He revealed that the family and medical team had intended to carry out the process either at the airport or at Lee Funeral Home. However, the huge crowd that had gathered to receive Raila’s body made it impossible.
“The people insisted that the body should not be taken away. They wanted to accompany it wherever it went,” he said. “So we agreed to move the process to Kasarani, where the Lee Funeral Home team was already on standby.”
Oburu further clarified the confusion and tension that arose at Kasarani Stadium when teargas was released into the crowd. According to him, it was not an attempt to disperse mourners but a measure to give the funeral team space and time to prepare Raila’s body properly.
“When the teargas was thrown, it wasn’t to attack the mourners,” Oburu explained. “It was meant to give the Lee Funeral Home staff time to dress Raila well and transfer him into a proper coffin without interference.”
He added that once the process was complete, mourners were allowed to view Raila’s body in dignity.
Raila Odinga’s final journey has continued to attract large crowds nationwide, with Kenyans paying their last respects to the man many consider a liberation hero and symbol of democracy.
