A sombre mood has engulfed Kondele, Kisumu, where shops, eateries, and public offices remain closed as locals mourn the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The closure coincides with the arrival of Odinga’s body in Kisumu for a public viewing ceremony at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, relocated from the initially planned Moi Stadium.

Residents have lined the streets since dawn, many dressed in party regalia and waving flags, while others sing liberation songs associated with Odinga’s political journey.

Security has been tightened across Kisumu, especially around the stadium and major intersections, with traffic diverted to accommodate mourners and dignitaries.

The body, flown in aboard a military aircraft, received a water salute at Kisumu International Airport before being escorted to the viewing grounds.

Emotional scenes have unfolded, with several mourners collapsing from grief and receiving medical attention from the Kenya Red Cross.

Odinga will be laid to rest in Bondo, Siaya County, beside his late mother, marking the final leg of a four-day state funeral that has drawn nationwide attention.