On Thursday morning, Nairobi International Airport erupted into chaos for several minutes. Thousands of people came to bid farewell to Raila Odinga, the veteran opposition leader. The crowd filled the halls and roads, and even attempted to force its way to the parliament building.
Odinga died at the age of 81 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment. Over the decades, he had become one of the most recognizable figures in Kenyan politics: a former political prisoner, he had made several presidential bids and enjoyed enormous support among his people, the Luo tribe.
As his coffin was carried off the plane, people carrying flags, branches, and some even riding motorcycles literally surrounded the aircraft. The ceremony was interrupted, and airport operations were halted for nearly two hours.
Some of Odinga’s supporters climbed the gates of parliament, where a public farewell was planned. To avoid an even larger crowd, authorities moved the ceremony to a stadium in Nairobi.
Although he long served as the opposition leader, Odinga served as prime minister in 2008 and recently formed an alliance with current President Ruto. His life was full of unexpected twists and turns, but for many Kenyans, he remained a symbol of struggle and resilience.
