Stampede at Raila Odinga’s Memorial as Security Forces fire shots, teargas

Tens of thousands of mourners fled in panic on Thursday as security forces fired gunshots and teargas at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, where Kenyans had gathered to view the coffin of opposition leader Raila Odinga.

According to AFP, at least three people sustained visible injuries after police fired to control surging crowds attempting to force their way into the VIP section. One victim reportedly suffered a severe head wound.

Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday in southern India from a suspected heart attack, sparking widespread mourning across Kenya. The veteran politician, affectionately known as “Baba” (father), was a central figure in Kenya’s democratic struggles and ran unsuccessfully for president five times.

Earlier in the day, massive crowds flooded Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive his coffin, prompting the civil aviation authority to suspend flight operations temporarily to “restore order and ensure safety.”

Authorities later moved the body to Kasarani Stadium after supporters overran the gates at parliament, where the coffin was initially meant to lie in state.

By the time the body arrived, the main highway to the stadium was jammed with supporters waving green branches, a symbolic gesture of peace and respect for the late statesman. However, chaos erupted shortly afterward when gunfire broke out, sending mourners running for safety.

President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning, with a state funeral service scheduled for Friday in Nairobi and burial on Sunday in Odinga’s hometown of Bondo, western Kenya.

At the airport earlier, Michael Omondi, a youth leader from Odinga’s party, described him as “an icon and a giant,” saying, “Baba, we knew that you were the only person who was going to take us to Canaan (the promised land).”