At least two people were killed when Kenyan police opened fire on crowds of mourners gathered to view the body of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died earlier this week in India. The incident occurred at a 60,000-capacity football stadium in Nairobi, where the public viewing was scheduled to take place ahead of the funeral over the weekend.
Adamson Bungei, Kenya’s head of police operations, confirmed the shooting and described the event as a “confrontation.” He told The Associated Press that there were at least two deaths. However, local media outlets KTN News and Citizen TV later reported that the death toll had risen to four, with dozens of people injured. Security forces used tear gas to disperse thousands of mourners after firing shots, leading to the stadium being left deserted.
Thousands of Odinga’s supporters began gathering on Nairobi’s streets early on Thursday, with many congregating at the Moi International Sports Centre for the viewing. Tensions escalated when some individuals breached a gate in the arena, prompting security forces to respond with gunfire and tear gas. As mourners fled, a stampede broke out near the stadium gates.
President William Ruto arrived at the stadium later, accompanied by members of Odinga’s family, to pay their respects in a side room. The public viewing eventually took place outside the stadium gates hours after the incident.
Earlier in the day, tensions had already begun when thousands of mourners briefly stormed Nairobi’s international airport, interrupting a ceremony for Ruto and other officials to receive Odinga’s body with military honors. This led to a two-hour suspension of airport operations.
Crowds also gathered in Bondo, the family’s ancestral seat in western Kenya, where Odinga is set to be buried on Sunday.
Odinga, an influential figure in African politics, passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing medical treatment in India, according to local police and hospital officials. He served as a former prime minister and was affectionately known as “Baba” (father). Throughout his career, he ran five unsuccessful presidential campaigns between 1997 and 2022 but remained a prominent advocate for democratic reform.
“He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle,” said university student Felix Ambani Uneck, speaking to Reuters at the stadium.
Friday has been declared a public holiday in Kenya, with citizens expected to gather at another football stadium in Nairobi for a state funeral service. A second public viewing will be held on Saturday in the western county of Kisumu, near Odinga’s rural home.
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