Heartbreaking scene as Nairobi man lies on Raila Odinga's coffin, weeps uncontrollably

A sombre atmosphere engulfed the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and later along Mombasa Road as the body of Kenya’s longtime opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga arrived aboard a Kenya Airways flight codenamed RAO001.

In one of the most emotional moments of the day, a distraught man was captured lying on Odinga’s flag-draped coffin, weeping uncontrollably as security officers and family members struggled to calm him.

The man, believed to be one of Odinga’s ardent supporters, wailed bitterly as mourners joined in song, many breaking down in tears.

The scene, which has since gone viral across social media, perfectly captured the depth of grief among thousands of Kenyans mourning the passing of the 80-year-old statesman who for decades symbolised resilience, reform, and the dream of a more equal Kenya.

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Odinga, who died earlier this week, was flown from India to Nairobi. The aircraft bearing the code name RAO001, using the initials of his name Raila Amolo Odinga, was received by military officials, top government leaders, and members of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.

Among those present was Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, one of Odinga’s fiercest loyalists, who emotionally described his mentor as “a father and a teacher whose shoes no one can ever fill.

Across the country, candlelight vigils and impromptu gatherings were held as Kenyans from all walks of life paid tribute to the man whose political journey spanned over five decades.

International tributes have also poured in, with leaders from Africa, Europe, and the United States describing Odinga as “a true son of Africa” and “a statesman who stood firm for democracy.”