Speaking during an exclusive interview with a local television station, Sifuna said the government failed Raila at a critical and emotional moment for the nation.
He argued that the absence of clear coordination and leadership worsened an already painful situation.
According to the senator, the arrival of Raila’s body at the airport lacked basic crowd control measures. He noted that there was no effective public address system to calm grieving supporters who had gathered in large numbers.
Sifuna linked this failure directly to the tragic deaths reported at Kasarani Stadium, where mourners had assembled to pay their final respects. He said the loss of lives deeply affected him, describing the incidents as preventable.
“Nothing prepared anyone for the death of Raila. There are no protocols to mourn a man of his stature,” Sifuna said, adding that the shock overwhelmed both leaders and citizens alike.
He recalled travelling to Mumbai during the repatriation process and feeling anger and frustration at how events unfolded.
Sifuna said he expected to see more of Raila’s close allies present but felt the process lacked the dignity befitting the veteran leader.
The senator also lamented that Raila was denied honours in death that he never received in life. He cited the absence of a proper police escort and the refusal to allow his casket to be draped in party colours as painful reminders of missed opportunities.
“That is something I will never forget. Nothing about his return felt right,” Sifuna said.
He added that the emotional toll of the mismanagement affected not just Raila’s family and friends, but the entire nation.
Sifuna has now urged the government to develop clear and respectful protocols for handling the deaths of national figures.
He stressed that better planning and coordination would spare families and supporters unnecessary grief in the future.
His remarks paint a picture of confusion and sorrow that overshadowed the farewell of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.