Chaos and tragedy as thousands flock Kasarani for Raila Odinga’s body viewing

What was meant to be a solemn day of mourning for Kenya’s most beloved leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, turned chaotic and tragic as clashes erupted during the public viewing of his body at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday.

The viewing, which was moved from Parliament Buildings to Kasarani to accommodate the swelling crowds, attracted tens of thousands of mourners from across the country. The event quickly spiraled out of control, with security forces firing live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the surging crowd.

According to media reports, at least four people were confirmed dead, while dozens sustained injuries in a stampede triggered by the gunfire. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as mourners scrambled for safety when shots rang out.

Early chaos at JKIA

The day began with emotional scenes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where thousands gathered to receive Odinga’s body, flown in from India following his death from cardiac arrest at age 80.

Crowds overwhelmed security barriers as the military escort carried the casket from the plane, forcing the Kenya Airports Authority to suspend flights for nearly two hours. The government later redirected the procession to Kasarani Stadium for the national viewing after it became clear that Parliament grounds could not handle the crowd.

Kasarani turns chaotic

At Kasarani, the mood was initially somber as mourners sang liberation songs and waved flags in Odinga’s honor. However, tension mounted when thousands pressed against security lines, eager to glimpse the casket. Police attempted to control the situation using tear gas, but their actions only fueled panic.

Gunfire was reportedly heard during a live broadcast on the presidency’s YouTube channel, prompting confusion nationwide. Dignitaries, including President William Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, and other top officials, were briefly confined to a secure area as chaos engulfed the venue.

Only after calm was restored did organizers proceed with a delayed, scaled-down viewing—conducted outside the main pavilion instead of inside the stadium.

Nation in mourning

President Ruto, who described Odinga as “a patriot of uncommon courage and a unifier who sought peace above personal ambition,” declared seven days of national mourning. Flags across the country are flying at half-mast, and Friday has been set aside as a public holiday to honor the late leader.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders and civil society groups have condemned the use of live ammunition at a peaceful event, calling for an independent investigation into the security lapse.

“This was supposed to be a day of dignity and remembrance, not death,” said one mourner outside the stadium. “We came to honor Baba, not to run for our lives.”

Next stop: Nyanza

Odinga’s body is set to be transported to Kisumu and later to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, for further public viewings before the state funeral scheduled for Sunday.

As Kenyans continue to grieve, the tragic events at Kasarani have cast a dark shadow over what was intended to be a moment of unity and national reflection.

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