Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has acknowledged that security forces were unprepared for the chaos surrounding former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's funeral proceedings. Speaking at a church service, he praised improvements made amid the unexpected crowds. Raila died suddenly in India, leading to rushed arrangements for his return and burial.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away from cardiac arrest on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while in India. His body was flown back to Kenya hours later, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where thousands of supporters overwhelmed security, breaching the main gate and reaching the runway.
An initial public viewing planned for Parliament buildings was relocated to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani due to the massive crowd. There, security personnel resorted to firing live bullets to control the anxious mourners, with Murkomen observed urging officers to cease using live rounds.
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the issues at a church service in AIC Kisumu Arina Local Church. He noted the sudden nature of Raila's death caught the ministry off guard, requiring prompt adjustments. "I would like to thank our regional commissioner and regional security team for a job well done. Many people corrected us as a ministry. But nobody plans death, especially of a man of Raila's magnitude," Murkomen said.
The challenges stemmed partly from Raila's wish for burial within 72 hours of his death, compressing logistics for a state funeral. Murkomen highlighted progressive improvements in security from the airport through Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, Kisumu, and finally to Bondo. "You cannot estimate the security arrangements we were going to have. But I'm happy we improved from the airport to Kasarani to Nyayo to Kisumu and to Bondo," he added.
Raila was buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, in another eventful ceremony marked by large gatherings.