Four Killed as Police Open Fire During Raila Odinga Viewing in Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya — Four people were killed and dozens injured on Thursday when police opened fire and used tear gas to control thousands of mourners during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body at Kasarani Stadium.
Chaos at the Memorial
According to authorities, the casualties occurred after panic spread when large crowds broke through security barriers at the stadium, located about 12 kilometers from central Nairobi.
Witnesses said that bursts of gunfire sent thousands fleeing in fear, causing several people to be trampled. The shooting, captured on live video streams shared on X and YouTube, quickly spread across social media, showing scenes of confusion and grief.
Police officials said they fired shots in the air to control the surging crowd as people forced their way toward the main stand to view Odinga’s body.
Mourning Turns to Mayhem
Security agencies reported that emotions ran high following the death of Odinga, a long-serving opposition leader who passed away in Kerala, India, on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during treatment at an Ayurvedic hospital.
President William Ruto declared Friday a national holiday in Odinga’s honor, announcing that a state funeral will take place on Sunday at his family home in Bondo, western Kenya.
Nationwide Grief and Unrest
Earlier, thousands of mourners stormed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to witness the arrival of Odinga’s body. In the chaos, some climbed onto stationary aircraft, including cockpits, trying to glimpse the Kenya Airways plane carrying his remains.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) temporarily suspended flights as crowds flooded the runway and terminal areas.
Along major highways, mourners waved branches and twigs, a traditional Luo gesture symbolizing unity and collective mourning. Odinga’s convoy moved slowly from the airport to the capital, accompanied by chants, songs, and candlelit vigils.
Police have since increased patrols across Nairobi as large gatherings continue. Mourners have filled public spaces, lighting candles and singing freedom songs that honor Odinga’s lifelong struggle for democracy.
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