Kenya’s airport closes as huge crowds gather to receive former prime minister’s body

Operations at Kenya’s main airport were suspended as thousands of mourners turned out to receive the body of former prime minister Raila Odinga, a day after he died in India.

Large crowds of mourners carrying twigs and palm branches breached security at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) immediately after the former leader’s body arrived on Thursday morning.

Authorities said mourners had gained access to restricted areas, prompting a “precautionary closure” to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety.

“We advise citizens and passengers to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice,” the aviation agency said.

Due to the unexpectedly large crowds, the public viewing ceremony for his body was moved to the Moi International Sports Center in Nairobi rather than Parliament.

The 80-year-old former prime minister collapsed during a morning walk in India on Wednesday morning and was taken to Devamatha Hospital, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of the port city of Kochi.

The hospital said he suffered a cardiac arrest, did not respond to resuscitation measures and was “pronounced dead at 09:52” local time (04:22 GMT).

Kenyan politicians and world leaders sent their condolences, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described Odinga as “a towering statesman and a valued friend of India”.

Kenyan President William Ruto said the veteran politician was a “beacon of courage” and the “father of our democracy”.

Seven days of mourning have been announced. Odinga will also be given a state funeral with full military honours, Ruto said.

Odinga spent many years as an opposition leader, losing five presidential campaigns, the last three years ago.