Raila Odinga: Kenyan airport shuts down as massive crowds gather to receive ex-PM's body
Key Takeaways
- Flights were halted at JKIA after thousands of mourners breached security to receive the body of former PM Raila Odinga.
- The breach of restricted areas prompted a 'precautionary closure' by authorities to restore order.
- Odinga died in India after suffering a cardiac arrest; he was 80 years old.
- A seven-day period of mourning has been declared in Kenya.
- The public viewing ceremony for Odinga's body has been moved to Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre.
Flights at Kenya's main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), were suspended after thousands of mourners breached security to receive the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away in India. The large crowds gained access to restricted areas upon the body's arrival on Thursday morning, forcing authorities to implement a "precautionary closure" to restore order and ensure traveler safety. The aviation agency advised the public to remain calm and avoid the airport until further notice. Odinga, 80, died after suffering a cardiac arrest in India, prompting condolences from global leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyan President William Ruto. A seven-day period of national mourning has been declared, and Odinga will receive a state funeral with full military honors. Consequently, the public viewing ceremony has been moved from Parliament to Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre due to the massive public response.
