Drama as Mourners Interrupt Uhuru’s Speech During Raila’s Farewell With Loud Chants as Ruto Watches Helplessly

“Wantam!”—the word roared through the air like a storm as thousands of mourners filled the streets of Nairobi, their voices rising in grief and defiance.

The city stood still as Kenyans from all walks of life came together to honor the late Raila Odinga, a man whose name has been etched into the soul of the nation.

Standing before the emotional crowd, former President Uhuru Kenyatta struggled to hold back tears. “Leo ni siku ya kuomboleza,” he said softly—“Today is a day of mourning.”

But before he could finish his speech, mourners began chanting “Wantam! Wantam!” in unison, their voices echoing across the stadium. 

The chants grew louder, drowning out Uhuru’s words, as the crowd demanded justice for their fallen hero.

President William Ruto, seated among dignitaries, appeared tense as the situation escalated. 

Security officers quickly moved to calm the charged crowd, but the chants persisted, creating a mix of sorrow, anger, and defiance.

Odinga’s death on October 15 at the age of 80 has left Kenya in mourning. The former Prime Minister and lifelong opposition leader passed away in Kochi, India, after suffering a heart attack. 

For many, his death marks the end of an era—a chapter defined by sacrifice, resilience, and the tireless pursuit of democracy.

Uhuru described him as a “brother and patriot,” recalling their shared history and the 2018 Handshake that turned years of rivalry into reconciliation. 

President Ruto also paid tribute, calling Odinga a “flame of democracy” and declaring a state funeral in his honor.

However, even amid the tributes, emotions ran high. At Parliament Buildings, where Odinga’s body was to lie in state, thousands of mourners overwhelmed police barriers, forcing officers to retreat as tempers flared. 

The viewing was later moved to Kasarani Stadium to accommodate the swelling crowds.

Earlier at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, similar chaos erupted when Odinga’s body arrived from India. Mourners flooded the runway, forcing dignitaries to seek safety as chants of “Baba! Baba!” filled the air.

Odinga’s state funeral will be held on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, followed by burial on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County. 

Across the nation—from the slums of Kibera to the streets of Kisumu—businesses remain closed as Kenyans mourn the man they called “Baba,” the father of their democratic struggle.