Four people lost their lives in Nairobi on Thursday after security officers opened fire and released tear gas to control the large crowd that had gathered to view the body of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The incident took place at a city stadium where Odinga’s body was lying in state. Reports from local media indicated that the situation turned chaotic after thousands of mourners forced their way into the venue, overwhelming the security forces deployed to maintain order.
Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in India, had been a central figure in Kenya’s political history for decades. He was a former prime minister, a long-serving opposition leader, and a man who fought relentlessly for democratic reforms.
His passing drew thousands of supporters to Nairobi, many of whom arrived early in the morning to pay their final respects.
Witnesses said that trouble began when sections of the crowd pushed through one of the gates at the main stadium, prompting soldiers to fire into the air in an attempt to disperse them.
A police source confirmed that two people were shot dead during the confrontation, while later reports from KTN News and Citizen TV raised the number to four.
Dozens of others were injured as panic spread among mourners struggling to escape the chaos.
Following the gunfire, police officers launched tear gas canisters to scatter the remaining crowd. Television footage showed people fleeing in different directions, leaving the stadium nearly empty within minutes.
The tragic turn of events contrasted sharply with the peaceful intentions of many who had gathered simply to honor Odinga’s memory.
Earlier in the day, a separate disturbance had been reported at Nairobi’s international airport. Thousands of mourners attempted to access the runway area during a ceremony attended by President William Ruto and other officials who had gathered to receive Odinga’s body with full military honors.
The disruption forced authorities to suspend airport operations for nearly two hours before normal activities resumed.
Crowds also filled nearby roads and attempted to approach the parliament buildings, where the government had initially planned to hold the public viewing. Despite the disorder, many Kenyans continued to express deep respect for Odinga’s lifelong contributions to the nation.
Supporters described him as a symbol of resistance and democracy, recalling his years as a political prisoner and his tireless campaigns for multi-party governance.
“He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle,” said university student Felix Ambani Uneck, who was among those at the stadium.
For many, Raila Odinga was more than just a politician; he represented hope, persistence, and the unyielding fight for justice. Even amid the grief and confusion, Kenyans from all walks of life continued to honor a man whose impact on the country’s history remains undeniable.
