Nairobi — Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) operations were temporarily suspended on Thursday after thousands of mourners overwhelmed security to view the casket of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The body of the five-time presidential candidate arrived at 9:20 a.m. aboard a chartered Kenya Airways Boeing 737 from India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
Social media images showed mourners climbing the aircraft stairs, with some entering the plane itself, while hundreds more tried to access cargo areas.
An official reception for Odinga’s body at JKIA, which was to be attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other senior officials, was disrupted and eventually canceled. President Ruto’s convoy was blocked by the crowd, forcing the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to transport the remains to Lee Funeral Home.
The chaos reflected the massive public grief for Odinga, widely regarded as the “father of Kenya’s democracy.”
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the temporary closure, citing an “ongoing security situation” and the need for precautionary measures to restore order.
“A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety,” the authority said.
Travelers were advised to remain calm and avoid the airport until operations resumed. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) also announced a temporary airspace closure over JKIA from 10:26 a.m. to 12:26 p.m. to allow enhanced security screening.
“The safety and security of passengers, staff, and all airport users is our top priority, and this action reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest security standards,” said Dr. Mohamud Gedi, Acting Managing Director and CEO of KAA.
Kenya has declared seven days of national mourning following Odinga’s death, with Friday observed as a public holiday. Streets across the country were filled with mourners paying their final respects, bringing daily activities and businesses to a halt.
Odinga is set to be buried on Sunday at his family home in Bondo, with a State Funeral expected to include full military honors and official protocols.
The unprecedented scenes at JKIA highlight Odinga’s enduring legacy and immense popularity, reflecting a political career that spanned decades and shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
Passengers with scheduled flights during the closure were advised to contact airlines for updates, while KAA expressed regret for the disruptions and thanked the public for their patience.
