Emotions high as Mama Sarah's body arrives in Kogelo

Women, children and villagers broke down into tears as the body arrived in Kogelo [Standard/Olivia Odhiambo]

Emotions ran high as the hearse carrying the body of Mama Sarah Obama arrived in Kogelo village, Siaya County.

The body of Mama Sarah arrived at her Kogelo home around 12:45pm.

The body of Mama Sarah arrived at around 12:45pm [Standard/Olivia Odhiambo]

Women, children and villagers broke down into tears as the body arrived minutes past midday.

They were however not allowed to get into the compound by security officers. Only media and close family members were allowed to get in.

Business was also brought to a standstill at Kogelo trading centre as the residents ran towards the home.

Friends, family members and few villagers who were allowed in the compound [Standard/Olivia Odhiambo]

Police had a hard time controlling the crowd that had gathered at the gate, demanding to be allowed to view the body.

According to Sheikh Musa Ismael Haji who is the chair of the Kisumu Muslims Association, they were supposed to bury today according to Muslims, but the family requested that she be buried on Tuesday.

He said they will bury at around 11am.

"We're making final preparations to ensure that Mama Sarah is buried on Tuesday," he said, adding that Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o will attend.

Villagers were blocked from accessing Mama Sarah's home in Kogelo [Standard/Olivia Odhiambo]

Friends, family members and few villagers who were allowed in the compound did not however view the body immediately.

Sheikh Ismael said everyone would have to wait for over an hour as the body is cleaned before it is allowed for public viewing.

"According to the Muslim traditions, the body has to be cleaned first before it is viewed with the public. It will take about one hour for the process," he said.