At least two people have died and dozens more injured after police in Kenya opened fire to disperse crowds of mourners gathered to view the body of opposition leader Raila Odinga in Nairobi. The incident occurred at the 60,000-capacity Moi International Sports Centre, where thousands had assembled ahead of Odinga’s state funeral later this weekend.
Violence Erupts at Nairobi Stadium
Kenya’s head of police operations, Adamson Bungei, confirmed the shooting, describing it as a “confrontation” during the public viewing of Odinga’s coffin. Local broadcasters KTN News and Citizen TV later reported that the death toll had risen to four, with a large number of injuries resulting from gunfire and the subsequent stampede near the stadium gates.
Tensions escalated when some mourners breached a gate at the stadium. Security forces responded by firing shots and deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds, leaving the arena deserted. Thousands of Odinga’s supporters had gathered in Nairobi’s streets since early morning, eager to pay their respects to the late opposition leader.
Chaos at Nairobi’s International Airport
Earlier in the day, thousands of mourners briefly stormed Nairobi’s international airport, disrupting a military ceremony in which President William Ruto and other officials received Odinga’s body. The incident led to a two-hour suspension of airport operations, highlighting the intensity of public grief and political tension surrounding the late leader’s death.
President Ruto Pays Respects
Following the stadium incident, President Ruto visited the stadium alongside Odinga’s family to pay respects in a side room of the arena. The public viewing then continued outside the stadium gates hours later. Crowds also gathered in Bondo, Odinga’s ancestral home in western Kenya, where the funeral is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Raila Odinga: A Symbol of Kenyan Democracy
Raila Odinga, known affectionately as “Baba” (father), died at age 80 on Wednesday while undergoing medical treatment in India. Odinga was a central figure in Kenyan and African politics, running five unsuccessful presidential campaigns between 1997 and 2022 but consistently advocating for democratic reforms and multi-party governance.
“He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle,” university student Felix Ambani Uneck told Reuters at the stadium. Odinga’s legacy as a reformist leader and champion of democracy has left a lasting impact on Kenya’s political landscape.
State Funeral and Public Holidays
The Kenyan government has declared Friday a public holiday. Citizens are expected to gather at a different football stadium in Nairobi for a state funeral service. Another public viewing is planned for Saturday in Kisumu, near Odinga’s rural home, allowing mourners across the country to pay tribute.
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