Nairobi (KAAB TV) – A solemn day of national mourning turned tragic as at least four people were killed and dozens more injured during chaotic scenes at Kasarani Stadium, where the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was being viewed by the public.
The violence erupted after security forces fired into a surging crowd of mourners who had gathered to pay their respects to the 80-year-old opposition leader, who passed away in India earlier this week.
Chaos at Kasarani
The disturbance began shortly after 3:00 PM when hundreds of supporters surged toward the VIP staging area where Odinga’s body was being held. In response, police deployed tear gas and fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd.
The sound of gunfire was also captured on the Kenyan presidency’s live broadcast on X and YouTube as crowds surged toward the viewing area at the Kasarani Stadium outside of Nairobi.
The violence has cast a shadow over the national mourning period declared by President William Ruto, who announced a seven-day period of mourning and ordered flags to fly at half-mast across Kenya and at its diplomatic missions abroad.
Public Viewing Disrupted
Earlier in the day, thousands of mourners had gathered at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive Odinga’s body, leading to a temporary closure of the airport as security forces struggled to manage the massive crowd. Many mourners breached security checkpoints, leading to delays and disruptions in the planned ceremonies.
In light of the disruptions, the public viewing ceremony was moved from Parliament to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. Despite these measures, the situation escalated, culminating in the tragic events later in the day.
National Mourning Continues
As the nation grapples with the loss of one of its most influential political figures, the government has vowed to continue with the planned state funeral. Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with his final wishes.
The tragic events at Kasarani Stadium serve as a stark reminder of the deep emotional connection many Kenyans had with Odinga and the challenges of managing large-scale public events in times of national grief.
Authorities have pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries, and to ensure that such incidents do not occur in future public gatherings.
For now, the nation mourns the loss of a leader who, for many, was a symbol of resilience and hope.