ODM meets families of victims killed during Raila Odinga’s body viewing
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna hosted relatives of Vincent Otieno Ogutu, Evan Onyango Kiche, Josfae Jida Burka, and Josephine Akeng’o, victims of the chaotic scenes at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium.
The leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has met with families of those who died during the public viewing of the late party leader Raila Odinga’s body in Nairobi.
The meeting took place on Friday at Chungwa House, where ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna hosted relatives of Vincent Otieno Ogutu, Evan Onyango Kiche, Josfae Jida Burka, and Josephine Akeng’o, victims of the chaotic scenes at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium.
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“They were among those killed in the course of mourning Baba at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium,” Sifuna said. “We extended our condolences and support on behalf of the entire ODM family, especially in the search for justice for these needless deaths.”
The party described the deaths as tragic and preventable, and pledged to support the families in their pursuit of justice.
In an earlier statement issued on October 22, Sifuna vowed to follow up with relevant authorities to ensure accountability over the security lapses that led to the fatalities.
“These were needless and unfortunate deaths. We shall stand with the families and ensure those responsible are held accountable,” he said, reiterating ODM’s call for humane crowd control and greater accountability during state-led public events.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna condoles with the families of the victims. (Photo: Edwin Sifuna/X)
The deaths occurred amid stampedes and violent confrontations as thousands of mourners attempted to access the venues where Odinga’s body was being viewed.
At least three people were confirmed dead, according to earlier reports.
A post-mortem revealed that 42-year-old Burka died from a gunshot wound to the head sustained during the chaos at Kasarani Stadium. The bullet entered from the front and exited at the back.
Another victim, 23-year-old Michael Okoth Okumu, died from compression asphyxia and multiple head injuries, likely caused by a stampede at Nyayo Stadium.
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, who has been following the cases, confirmed Okumu’s identity and the autopsy findings.
“We have done the autopsy and confirmed the cause of death as compression asphyxia with multiple head injuries most likely caused by a stampede,” Khalid said.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga also confirmed that around 100 people were injured during the events, which were intended to allow Kenyans to pay their final respects to the late opposition leader.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has yet to issue an official statement on the progress of investigations or whether any officers have been held accountable.
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