Mourners Storm Raila’s Grave
Raila Odinga’s send-off took an unexpected turn moments after dignitaries, led by President William Ruto, had departed, when a large crowd of mourners in Siaya County overwhelmed security on Sunday as they surged into Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the Odinga family homestead, to witness the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.
The hundreds of mourners tore the wreaths laid at the gravesite that was still being cemented while chanting, pushing and dancing.
The mourners, visibly distraught and waving twigs while calling out Raila’s name, pushed past police and military personnel shortly after the casket was lowered into the grave.
Teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and county security units had set up multiple lines of protection around the homestead to regulate access. Yet, the sheer number of people outside the gates overwhelmed them, resulting in a brief lapse in order.
Security personnel at the site attempted to control the crowd, but they were ultimately overwhelmed as more mourners made their way to the site, bearing branches and other items while chanting cultural slogans.
The mourners brought with them seven bulls, with some carrying spears and shields. A majority were covered with green leaves and danced with the leaves.
According to one elder interviewed during the incident, the dancing with leaves and storming the compound are to chase away any demons and return health and life to the community.
