Chaos erupted in Nairobi on Thursday after police fired live rounds and tear gas to disperse thousands of mourners gathered to view the body of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga. Local media confirmed that four people were killed and dozens injured in the stampede that followed, as crowds overwhelmed security barriers at the city’s main stadium.
Odinga, who died on Wednesday at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in India, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for more than four decades. A former political prisoner and five-time presidential contender, he was revered by millions as a defender of democracy and justice.
What Triggered the Chaos at Raila Odinga’s Viewing?
From early morning, thousands of mourners filled the streets of Nairobi, determined to pay their last respects to the veteran leader. Tension escalated when a massive crowd breached a stadium gate, prompting soldiers to fire warning shots into the air. A police source told Reuters that two people were initially confirmed dead, but reports from KTN News and Citizen TV later raised the toll to four.
Security officers then lobbed tear gas to disperse the surging crowd, forcing thousands to flee the stadium. Broadcasters later showed a deserted venue, littered with abandoned belongings as the once-celebratory mood turned to grief and confusion.
Earlier in the day, mourners had briefly stormed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, disrupting a ceremony where President William Ruto and government officials were receiving Odinga’s body with full military honors. The incident led to a two-hour suspension of airport operations.
How Kenyans Remember Raila Odinga’s Legacy
Crowds also flooded roads leading to Parliament, the original venue for the public viewing, underscoring the depth of Odinga’s influence. Though best known as an opposition figure, Odinga served as Prime Minister in 2008 and was instrumental in shaping Kenya’s multi-party democracy.
Among the mourners was university student Felix Ambani Uneck, who reflected on Odinga’s long struggle for freedom. “He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle,” he said.
For many Kenyans, especially younger generations, Thursday’s chaotic scenes were a reflection of the immense devotion Raila Odinga inspired a stament to a man whose political legacy and fight for justice will endure far beyond his passing.
By Lucky Anyanje
