A section of supporters who had gathered outside Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, October 16, broke through the VIP gates and accessed the runway moments after the plane carrying the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga landed.
Footage shared online captured chaotic scenes as ODM supporters scattered across the airport grounds.
The crowd reportedly overpowered security officers manning the gates, forcing their way into the restricted area.
Supporters Breach JKIA Security, Storm Runway to Receive Late Raila Odinga. Photo: Courtesy.
The breach prompted a swift response from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri arriving at the scene to help restore order and calm the situation.
The incident occurred just minutes before Raila’s casket was offloaded from the aircraft onto the awaiting gun carriage.
Moments later, several military vehicles were seen arriving at the airport, signaling the deployment of additional reinforcements to restore order and secure the area.
The body of the late ODM leader arrived in Nairobi ahead of a state funeral programme expected to attract large crowds and dignitaries over the coming days.
The ODM leader passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 in Kochi, India.
According to reports, he suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility and was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, October 15, unveiled a four-day State Funeral programme for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Raila’s body will arrive from India and be received by President William Ruto before being taken to Parliament for public viewing.
The State Funeral begins on Friday, October 17, with a national service at Nyayo Stadium and ends with his burial on Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda farm in Bondo.
