Tragedy struck on Thursday at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, after police reportedly opened fire and lobbed tear gas to disperse thousands of mourners. The chaotic scenes left at least two people dead and several others nursing injuries, casting a dark shadow over what was meant to be a solemn farewell to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
According to eyewitnesses, tension began to build as crowds swelled outside the stadium, with police attempting to control the massive turnout. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control when officers resorted to firing live ammunition and tear gas into the crowd. Panic ensued as mourners scrambled for safety, many collapsing in the ensuing stampede.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen expressed deep displeasure at how the police handled the situation, terming their actions as “unnecessary and unacceptable.” Murkomen reportedly ordered officers on the ground to immediately stop firing and to restore calm.
Azimio la Umoja co-principal Martha Karua condemned the police’s actions, questioning the rationale behind using tear gas and bullets on grieving citizens. “Why would police use teargas and ammunition to disperse mourners at Kasarani Stadium?” she posed in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with Kenyans demanding accountability from the police and the Ministry of Interior. As investigations continue, the nation mourns not just the loss of Raila Odinga, but also the tragic deaths of those who came to pay their final respects.
