UgandaToday: Fracas at JKIA as Mourners Overwhelm Security During Arrival of Raila Odinga’s Remains
Nairobi, October 16, 2025 — Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi was temporarily shut down earlier today after chaotic scenes unfolded during the arrival of the remains of Kenya’s iconic former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
In extraordinary scenes captured on video, hundreds of emotional mourners broke through airport security barriers and surged onto the tarmac moments after the aircraft carrying the late Odinga’s body touched down. Some individuals were seen climbing onto the aircraft itself, waving flags and chanting liberation songs, overwhelming both airport security and police.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed in a press statement that operations at JKIA were temporarily suspended following the breach of restricted areas. The authority described the shutdown as a precautionary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of travelers, staff, and mourners.
“A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety,” read the statement signed by KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao.
KCAA advised the public and travelers to avoid the airport until further notice, noting that normal operations would resume once the airport is declared secure. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued to inform airlines and operators of the temporary suspension.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation spiraled out of control shortly after the plane’s arrival when emotional supporters of Odinga — some waving party colors and others carrying portraits of the late leader — pushed past cordoned-off areas, demanding to be part of the symbolic reception. Airport police struggled to contain the swelling crowds as chants of “Baba wa Taifa! Baba wa Taifa!” (Father of the Nation) echoed across the runway.
By mid-afternoon, additional security forces were deployed to clear the tarmac, and calm was gradually restored.
Odinga’s remains had been flown in from India, where he passed away earlier this week while undergoing treatment. His death has sent shockwaves across East Africa, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, royal institutions, and Pan-African movements that revered him as a symbol of democratic struggle.
Hashtags:
#RailaOdinga #JKIAClosure #KenyaMourns #UgandaToday #EastAfricaNews #RIPRailaOdinga
#UgandaToday #PhoenixNewsFeeds #OperaNewsFeeds
Publisher
