Operations at Kenya’s main airport were suspended after thousands of mourners turned out to receive the body of former prime minister Raila Odinga a day after his death in India.
Immediately after the former leader’s body arrived on Thursday morning, large crowds of mourners broke through security at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) carrying branches and palm branches.
Authorities said mourners were given access to restricted areas, prompting a “precautionary closure” to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety.
“The public and travelers are advised to remain calm and avoid the airport area until further notice,” the aviation authority said.
Due to unexpectedly large crowds, the public viewing ceremony of his body was moved to the Moi International Sports Center in Nairobi rather than Parliament.
The 80-year-old former prime minister collapsed during a morning walk in India on Wednesday morning and was taken to Devamatha Hospital, about 50 km (30 miles) east of the port city of Kochi.
The hospital said he suffered cardiac arrest, did not respond to resuscitation efforts and was “pronounced dead at 09:52 local time (04:22 GMT).”
Kenyan politicians and world leaders have expressed their condolences, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called Odinga a “superior statesman and a valued friend of India.”
Kenyan President William Ruto said the veteran politician was a “beacon of courage” and “father of our democracy.”
A seven-day mourning period was imposed. Odinga will also receive a state funeral with full military honors, Ruto said.
Odinga was opposition leader for many years and lost five presidential campaigns, most recently three years ago.
