Renowned journalist Stephen Letoo has opened up about the heartbreaking experience he and other Kenyans in the diaspora faced upon landing in India following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Letoo revealed that although many had travelled hoping to pay their final respects, they were denied the chance to view Raila’s body due to tight security protocols and a heavily restricted government schedule.
Speaking to the media, Letoo described the tense mood at the airport as hundreds of Kenyans living abroad, some waving flags and carrying flowers, waited in vain to get even a brief glimpse of the late opposition leader’s remains.
“When we landed in India, we didn’t get a chance to view Raila Odinga’s body. The security was extremely tight, and everything was handled with high-level protocol,” he said.
According to Letoo, the program was fully managed by the official Kenyan delegation, leaving no opportunity for spontaneous tributes or public participation.
Despite the disappointment, he noted that Kenyans abroad expressed deep admiration and love for Raila, calling him a father figure and a symbol of democratic struggle.
The massive turnout in India, he added, proved how far Raila’s influence had reached beyond Kenya’s borders.
Diaspora groups are now planning a special memorial service in his honour so they can celebrate his life and enduring legacy.
Raila Odinga’s passing continues to stir intense emotion both at home and internationally, as thousands line up across various viewing points to bid farewell to a leader many affectionately call “The People’s President.”
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