Tragedy at Kasarani: Chaos erupts during Raila Odinga’s farewell, leaving three dead
What began as a day of national mourning turned tragic when chaos erupted during Raila Odinga’s final public viewing at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, leaving three dead in the ensuing mayhem.
A sombre farewell for the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga turned tragic on Thursday after chaos erupted at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, leaving at least three people dead and several others injured as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects.
The violence broke out when mourners surged toward the Presidential Pavilion entrance, forcing security personnel to fire in the air in an attempt to control the swelling crowd eager to view Odinga’s body.
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Witnesses said police opened fire as the crowd grew restless, resulting in fatalities and injuries. What began as a solemn day of national mourning quickly descended into violence when officers lobbed teargas canisters and fired live bullets to disperse mourners who had grown agitated after long hours of waiting.
At least three bodies were seen lying lifeless within and outside the stadium. Despite urgent appeals for restraint from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, officers continued firing teargas into the stands, heightening panic and chaos.
Videos circulating online showed security personnel lobbing teargas at mourners seated in the terraces as others fled in confusion. Gunfire shots were also heard inside the stadium as angry mourners hurled twigs at police, demanding faster access to the viewing area.
Police responded with live rounds and more teargas, driving crowds out of the field. Special police units were later deployed to restore order as military officers overseeing the State Funeral struggled to regain control.
Security officials said the crowd, estimated at more than 60,000 people, had overwhelmed both police and military teams, making crowd control extremely difficult.
President William Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, had already arrived at the stadium to lead the viewing, accompanied by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and members of the Odinga family.
As the situation deteriorated, Interior CS Murkomen, PS Raymond Omollo, and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei were seen directing security teams on the next course of action.
Police later said they managed to reposition the body to a secure viewing point, allowing the ceremony to resume.
Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning in India, is being accorded full State Honours in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Kenya’s democracy, reform, and national unity.
He will be laid to rest on Sunday at his ancestral home in Bondo.
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