Thousands Flock to Mourn Kenyan Icon Odinga's Passing

Tens of thousands gathered in western Kenya on Saturday to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, the country's former prime minister who died at age 80 following a suspected heart attack on Wednesday. The massive turnout in Kisumu, Odinga's political stronghold, shows just how deeply his death has shaken the nation, particularly among supporters who saw him as a father figure in Kenyan politics.

Crowds packed the streets of Kisumu, chanting "Baba" (father) and "we are orphans" as Odinga's coffin arrived by helicopter at the city's stadium. The emotional scenes quickly turned chaotic as mourners broke through security barriers, climbing stadium walls and nearby buildings to catch a glimpse of the casket.

"Without Baba, we are dead. We have nowhere to go," said 20-year-old supporter Don Belido, who was pressed against one of the barriers. The overwhelming grief was evident everywhere - medical sources reported treating 74 people at the stadium, mostly for fainting and dehydration.

Authorities had to cancel a planned procession through Kisumu to prevent dangerous stampedes. A medical source noted that people eventually "decided to behave well," allowing the coffin to be transported by air without major road incidents.

Odinga was one of Kenya's most significant political figures of his generation. He served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 but never managed to win the presidency despite five attempts. His political journey wasn't easy - he spent eight years in prison without trial and became a key player in bringing Kenya back to multiparty democracy in the 1990s.

Many credit him with helping create Kenya's widely praised 2010 constitution. After the public viewing in Kisumu, his body was moved to Bondo in neighboring Siaya County, his ancestral home, where a private funeral will take place on Sunday.

For investors and political watchers, Odinga's death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics. His influence stretched beyond party lines, and his passing leaves a significant void in the country's opposition movement. The massive public response shows how his political legacy will likely shape Kenya's democratic landscape for years to come.