Gunfire Erupts at Raila Odinga’s Memorial in Nairobi, Sending Mourners Fleeing in Panic

Photo by KABIR DHANJI / AFP

Tension gripped the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday as gunfire and teargas disrupted a public viewing ceremony for Kenya’s late opposition leader, Raila Odinga, sending thousands of mourners scrambling for safety.

According to eyewitnesses and AFP reporters on the scene, security forces fired live ammunition and teargas to control surging crowds attempting to view Odinga’s body, which had been flown back from India earlier in the day. At least three people were reportedly injured, with one man seen lying motionless on the ground as blood streamed from his head.

Odinga, 80, a revered figure in Kenyan politics and a five-time presidential candidate, died on Wednesday at a health clinic in southern India, sparking a nationwide outpouring of grief. Fondly known as “Baba”  meaning father  Odinga was widely regarded as a symbol of democracy and reform in East Africa’s largest economy.

Large crowds had initially gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive the late leader’s body, forcing aviation authorities to briefly halt airport operations. Due to the overwhelming turnout, officials redirected the coffin to Kasarani Stadium for public viewing.

However, what began as a solemn ceremony soon turned chaotic. Witnesses described rowdy scenes as supporters tried to force their way closer to the coffin. Security officers responded with force, sparking panic and a stampede.

AFP footage captured police officers beating fleeing mourners with sticks while gunshots echoed across the stadium stands. Social media users condemned the heavy-handed response, with opposition politician Martha Karua questioning on X:

“Why would police use teargas and live rounds to disperse mourners?”

President William Ruto arrived shortly after the chaos subsided, accompanied by members of Odinga’s family and senior government officials. The president and dignitaries privately viewed the body before addressing the nation, appealing for calm and respect during the mourning period.

Ruto has since declared seven days of national mourning, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast across Kenya. A state funeral service will be held in Nairobi on Friday, followed by burial on Sunday in Bondo, Odinga’s ancestral hometown in western Kenya