Kenya police fire shots and tear gas at crowds gathered to see body of ex-PM Odinga

Mourners Flee in Panic at Moi International Sports Centre Amid Massive Turnout

Chaos broke out in Nairobi on Thursday as police fired gunshots and tear gas to control surging crowds of mourners who had gathered to view the body of Raila Odinga. The incident occurred at Moi International Sports Centre in the Kasarani neighbourhood, where thousands had assembled to pay their final respects to the late former Prime Minister.

Several people were injured as panic spread through the stadium, with mourners rushing toward exits to escape the choking tear gas. Witnesses reported seeing police officers using force to push back the crowd.

Unclear Use of Force by Security

It remains unclear whether the gunshots fired were live rounds or rubber bullets. A BBC reporter at the scene confirmed witnessing men in civilian clothes beating mourners with batons.

AFP reported that at least three people sustained visible injuries, including one individual with a serious head wound.

The police have not yet issued an official statement clarifying the nature of their crowd-control measures.

A Nation Mourns a Political Giant

Odinga’s body was flown back from India, where he died on Wednesday morning during a morning walk. Earlier in the day, thousands of supporters gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive the coffin, causing authorities to briefly halt flights after mourners entered restricted areas.

A massive procession then escorted the hearse from the airport to the stadium, approximately 10 kilometres away. The public viewing, initially planned to take place inside Parliament, was relocated to the larger Moi International Sports Centre to accommodate the unexpectedly large crowds.

Tear Gas Fired as Gate Breached

As the convoy carrying Odinga’s body arrived at the packed stadium, more mourners surged from outside, breaching one of the gates. Security forces responded with tear gas, creating a stampede-like situation as thousands tried to escape the smoke.

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“People were running in all directions. It was pure panic,” said an eyewitness.

‘Baba’ Remembered by Loyal Supporters

Many mourners, some carrying twigs and palm branches a Luo symbol of mourning had gathered since early morning. “We have been at the airport to welcome Baba,” one mourner told the BBC. “We are sad. We have been left as orphans.”

Motorcycle taxi rider William Otieno Adoyo described himself as a “Baba die-hard,” saying, “We want to see Baba, how do we know it’s him in the casket? Let them show us and we’ll be contented.”

Funeral Plans for a National Figure

The state funeral for Odinga will be held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, followed by the transportation of his body to Kisumu on Saturday—his political stronghold on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view his body before burial at his farm in Bondo on Sunday. The family confirmed that Odinga wished to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.

A Towering Legacy

President William Ruto has declared a seven-day national mourning period with flags flown at half-mast across the country. Odinga, who died at 80, was Kenya’s most prominent opposition leader for decades, contesting five presidential elections and leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic journey.

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