Some of you may have noticed the officer wearing a white coat, almost like those worn by butchery workers standing close to Raila Odinga’s body throughout the ceremony.

Here’s who he is and why he is always close to Raila Odinga’s body.

He is a KDF Mortician (Military Funeral Director). His role is to ensure that Baba’s body looks natural, well-presented, and preserved for the entire mourning period.

He performs a process called chemical embalming where a special preserving and disinfecting solution is injected into the body’s arteries, this replaces the blood, disinfects the body, and slows down decomposition. The goal is to maintain the body’s natural appearance for viewing and public farewells.

He also applies moisturizers to the face and hands to prevent the skin from drying out and may use dry ice to keep the body cool, especially during transport or when refrigeration isn’t available. Dry ice keeps the body preserved for 24–48 hours and is replaced regularly.

So, the Man in white coats is not an ordinary attendant, he is a trained professional meant to ensure that the late Raila Odinga’s body remains well preserved and dignified throughout the farewell process.