Thousands of mourners on Friday, gathered to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at a national stadium in Kenya’s capital.
Many carried national flags, portraits of the late leader, and wore T-shirts printed with his image to pay their final respects.
Security was tight in and around the stadium, with police and military officers deployed to the ceremony.
The presidents of Somalia and Ethiopia are among the regional leaders who attended the funeral service at the Nyayo National Stadium.
As Odinga’s body entered the stadium in a ceremonial military procession, mourners broke into chants, whistles, and songs.
They chanted “Raila usilale, bado mapambano”, a popular Swahili political slogan, which translates as “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over“.
“Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed. The greed that has affected the fabric of our society,” said Ida, Odinga’s widow, in her speech.
Bishop David Kodia, who led the service, said Odinga never used his political power and money to intimidate people.
Earlier on Friday morning, Odinga’s body was taken to parliament, where MPs and selected dignitaries viewed it.
Odinga, a giant figure on Kenya’s political scene, died on Wednesday, aged 80, in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
Mourners have been carrying branches and palm fronds, a symbol of mourning and grief among the Luo ethnic group to which Odinga belonged.
On Saturday, his body will be transported to Kisumu, a city in western Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria – his political stronghold.
Members of the public will get a chance to view the body before he is buried on Sunday at his farm in Bondo, about 60km (40 miles) west of Kisumu.
According to the family, it was Odinga’s wish to be laid to rest within the shortest time possible.
Seven days of mourning have been declared.
He was a towering figure in Kenyan politics and, for many years, was the country’s main opposition leader, losing five presidential campaigns, most recently three years ago.
Odinga repeatedly said he was cheated of victory, citing the manipulation of votes.
Reuters/Oyenike Oyeniyi