Tens of thousands of people mourning the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga have filed past his open coffin at a stadium in his home city of Kisumu - many crying out the phrase we are orphans in their grief.
One mourner, Dixon Ochieng, told the BBC, I have come here to mourn an icon of Africa. The public viewing of the revered 80-year-old, who died at an Indian hospital on Wednesday, concluded and his body was flown to his farm for burial.
His widow, Ida, made a heartfelt appeal for calm among the gathered mourners to avoid chaos, as previous public commemorations led to tragic incidents.
Odinga's following in Kisumu, a region from where Barack Obama's family hails, reflects the profound connection he held within the community. At dawn, mourners began arriving at the stadium, highlighting the deep impact of his legacy.
Barack Obama expressed his condolences on social media, calling Odinga a true champion of democracy and recognizing the sacrifices he made for freedom in Kenya.
Despite losing multiple presidential campaigns, Odinga's resilience and commitment to his country's welfare remained evident throughout his career. He was characterized by his willingness to choose the path of collaboration and peaceful resolutions over personal ambition.
In homage, many gathered mourners donned orange, the party color of his Orange Democratic Movement, and waved branches as traditional symbols of mourning. The farewell to Odinga, who wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death, will culminate in a solemn service at a local university followed by a private burial next to his family's mausoleum.
