Operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday came to a standstill, and flights were delayed after the plane carrying the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga touched down.
The Kenya Airways (KQ) flight landed at around 9:30 a.m. to crowds of Odinga supporters in Kenya’s main airport, including the airside, the area beyond security checkpoints used for all aircraft operations, which is normally tightly secured.
Mourners walked and rode around motorbikes along the taxiways, waving twigs and chanting in honour of Odinga, who died on Wednesday morning after collapsing in the Indian city of Kochi.
Citizen Digital witnessed mourners overpower security personnel and gain access to the landing area to receive Odinga’s body.
At one point, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, was seen pleading with the crowd to calm down as Odinga’s body was being taken out of the plane.
Journalists also saw mourners atop an aerobridge after the passengers aboard the KQ plane disembarked.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) suspended operations at the airport, citing a “security situation.”
“Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” the authority said in an 11 a.m. public notice.
“A large number of mourners gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure to allow security teams to restore order and ensure safety.”
KCAA said normal operations would resume “once the airport is declared secure in the next two hours.”
Meanwhile, Odinga’s body, which was scheduled for public viewing at noon at Parliament buildings in the city centre, was moved to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani due to the high turnout of mourners.
