At least four people were reportedly killed and dozens injured in Nairobi on Thursday, October 16, after police fired live rounds and tear gas to disperse thousands of mourners gathered for the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body.
Chaos erupted when crowds broke through security barriers at Kasarani Stadium, about 12 kilometres from the city centre. Witnesses said gunfire—captured on the presidency’s live feed—sparked panic, causing a deadly stampede. Police claimed they fired warning shots to restrain people trying to storm the main stand.
Authorities said the crowd overwhelmed security personnel amid heightened emotions over the death of the veteran opposition leader, who passed away on Wednesday in Kerala, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Earlier, thousands had flooded Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, forcing a temporary suspension of flights as they sought to witness the arrival of Odinga’s body. President William Ruto has declared Friday a public holiday in Odinga’s honour, with his burial set for Sunday at his family home in Bondo, western Kenya, as the nation continues to mourn a man long regarded as a symbol of democratic struggle.