Three Dead as Police Disperse Mourners of Former Kenyan PM Raila Odinga in Nairobi
At least three people have died in Nairobi after police opened fire and used tear gas on mourners gathered to view the body of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The tragic incident occurred at Moi International Sports Centre in the Kasarani neighborhood, where massive crowds had assembled to pay their final respects.
Police Use Force After Crowd Breaches Gate
Chaos broke out when a large group of mourners breached a stadium gate, overwhelming security forces. Police responded with tear gas and live gunfire, causing panic among the crowd. Witnesses reported that men in civilian clothing were also seen beating mourners with batons. It is not yet clear whether officers used rubber bullets or live ammunition. However, human rights group Vocal Africa confirmed that the three victims brought to the City Mortuary had sustained gunshot wounds.
Thousands Follow Funeral Procession Through Nairobi
Earlier in the day, the late Prime Minister’s body had arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where massive crowds gathered, forcing authorities to suspend flights briefly. The public procession then moved toward the stadium, about 10 kilometers from the city center. Due to the unexpectedly large turnout, the public viewing ceremony was moved from parliament to the larger stadium venue.
Government Silent on Deaths as Public Viewing Resumes
Despite the violence, President William Ruto and other top officials later viewed the body. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who heads the funeral planning committee, did not mention the deaths during his press briefing. The public was later allowed to continue viewing the body peacefully.
Final Journey to Kisumu and Burial in Bondo
Odinga’s body will be transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold, on Saturday. On Sunday, he will be laid to rest at his family farm in Bondo, as per his wish to be buried within 72 hours. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared to honor his legacy as a founding figure of Kenya’s multi-party democracy.
