Public demands to view Jacob Juma’s body at Uhuru Park

The body of the late Jacob Juma arrive at Uhuru for public viewing today on Thursday 12/May/206.PHOTO BY EDWARD KIPLIMO.

The hearse carrying the remains of assassinated businessman Jacob Juma was intercepted by a crowd that demanded to view the body.

After the requiem mass at the All Saints Cathedral, the hearse used the church's rear gate to enter Uhuru Park where the public blocked the way.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga's plea to the crowd to let Juma's family continue with the procession into the grounds fell on deaf ears.

"Lazima tuonee mwili, tutaona kwa nguvu (We must see the body even if by force)," they demanded.

Security men guarding the hearse were forced to open it, and take out the body for viewing.

The public then lined up and approximately after 20 minutes they were done and left.

There was tight security at the park as a lorry full of police officers was stationed at the park entrance opposite Nyayo House.

There were also two Land Rovers full of officers armed with anti-riot gear.

Politcians, including CORD co-principals Raila and Kalonzo Musyoka and MPs Elizabeth Ongoro, Gladys Wanga, Opiyo Wandayi and politician George Aladwa walked behind the hearse to the park's main podium.

Mourners carrying twigs used the main gate before joining Uhuru Highway wailing and running towards the park.

At the podium, there were no chairs, forcing Raila and team to stand for almost half an hour.

Raila spoke to the crowd and introduced Juma's wife Miriam who waved as she was encouraged to be strong.

"We bring the body of Juma here because Uhuru Park has a history of Kenya's fight for democracy. They killed him but his blood will not be spilled for free. We want the Scotland Yard or the FBI to investigate his death because we don't have faith in the police," the former Premier said.

Juma's body will be airlifted to Kakamega's Masinde Muliro for public viewing today morning.

It will later be transported to Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma for another public viewing before being taken home.

He will be buried at his ancestral home in Mungore village, Bungoma County.