Michael Okumu identified as second victim of Raila funeral service stampede at Nyayo Stadium
Okumu, a resident of Kibra, will be laid to rest at his family home in Alego Usonga, Siaya County.
Another victim who lost his life during the body viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium has been identified as Michael Okoth Okumu.
Okumu, 23, reportedly died from compression asphyxia after being caught in a stampede while paying his respects.
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Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid confirmed the identification on Thursday, October 23, saying the family last saw him on Thursday last week.
“As we continue to follow up on the lives lost during Baba’s funeral, we have today identified the second victim of Nyayo Stadium as 23-year-old Michael Okoth Okumu. The family has confirmed that the last time they saw him was Thursday last week,” Khalid said.
A post-mortem examination determined that Okumu’s death was caused by compression asphyxia and multiple head injuries, likely resulting from the stampede.
“We have done the autopsy and confirmed the cause of death as compression asphyxia with multiple head injuries most likely caused by a stampede,” Hussein said.
Okumu, a resident of Kibra, will be laid to rest at his family home in Alego Usonga, Siaya County.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko announced that his Rescue Team has covered all related expenses, including mortuary fees, post-mortem costs, coffin, and transportation.
“I am also aware that the ODM Party, through their able secretary-general, also Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, pledged to support the families as well. We appreciate this commendable gesture,” he said.
Sonko added that the victims were often the breadwinners of their families, stressing the need for a long-term support plan.
Okumu’s death brings to at least three the confirmed fatalities during the chaotic scenes at Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums.
Earlier, an autopsy confirmed that 42-year-old Jidah Burka died from a single gunshot wound to the head during the unrest at Kasarani.
“The autopsy on the body of Jidah Burka, who was shot and killed at Kasarani Stadium, has been done. The cause of death is a single headshot. The bullet went in on the front of the head and exited at the back,” Hussein said.
Burka’s burial is scheduled for Tuesday at Kariakor Muslim Cemetery, with Sonko Rescue Team covering the expenses.
Sifuna said his office has been in contact with several families who lost loved ones and pledged to support them.
“Those were needless and unfortunate deaths, most of them due to gunshot wounds. We have extended our condolences and pledged support in this tragic loss,” he said.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga reported that around 100 people suffered injuries of varying severity during the chaos that unfolded as mourners gathered at both Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium. The violence erupted between the police and the crowd last Thursday.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has yet to release a statement on its investigation or identify any officers involved.
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