The funeral arrangements for the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, have been marked by solemn military honours.
These tributes began the moment Mr Odinga’s remains were repatriated to Kenya. The body was transported on a military gun carriage.
Mourners across the nation have observed officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) attending to the former premier. These officers, ranking as high as a full colonel, have maintained a constant, formal presence.
The public viewing ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani was the setting for a unique military display.
The Symbolic Posture of Mourning
At Kasarani, the KDF officers stood rigidly beside the former Prime Minister’s body. Their posture was highly specific, reflecting military protocol for such state funerals.
Crucially, the officers were facing away from the body. Their heads were positioned downwards.
The angle of their heads was precise: 45-degree angle. This deliberate stance carries profound symbolic meaning.
The sources confirm this positioning is a formal gesture. It serves as a sign of their mourning for the departed statesman.
A Guard Maintained 24 Hours a Day
The military commitment to guarding Mr Odinga’s body is continuous. He will remain under a 24-hour guard until the day of his interment.
This continuous protection ensures that the late leader is respected throughout the mourning period. This period has been emotionally charged.
The viewing at Kasarani Stadium was briefly disrupted by thousands of impatient supporters. The crowd attempted to forcefully access the VIP area.
The continuous military watch requires careful rotation of personnel. The KDF officers maintaining this guard will be interchanging their duties regularly.
The shift changes happen frequently to maintain constant vigilance. The officers rotate at an interval of three hours each.
Broader Military Honours
Mr Odinga’s status as a former Prime Minister and a statesman necessitates these high honours. His body was carried by KDF officers from the rank of a full colonel. The body was carried on a military gun carriage.
The military ceremony upon his return proved complex. The convoy faced a logistical challenge. Moving from the airport’s landing area to the main entrance took about 2 and a half hours.
Normally, this journey takes just three minutes. The airport had to shut its airspace temporarily for about two hours during the movement.
The late leader is also expected to receive a 19-gun salute during his burial. The High Court recently allowed the burial process to proceed.
This followed a ruling that dismissed a petition seeking to halt the burial within 72 hours.
BY Moses sagwe
