By Our Reporter
Chaos erupted in Nairobi after police fired gunshots and tear gas at thousands of mourners who had gathered at a stadium to view the body of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The crowds, overwhelmed by grief and emotion, surged forward, prompting a harsh response from security forces attempting to control the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as mourners fled in all directions, some falling and others crying out for help. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, local sources suggest that at least four people may have died in the stampede and clashes that followed. Authorities have yet to confirm whether live ammunition or rubber bullets were used during the incident.
The body of Odinga, a long-time opposition leader and one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, had just arrived from India, where he passed away on Wednesday morning. His return sparked an outpouring of grief across the country, with thousands gathering at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and later at the stadium in Nairobi to pay their final respects.
The government had arranged for public viewing of the body, but the sheer size of the crowd appeared to overwhelm the security setup. Videos circulating on social media show police officers firing into the air as tear gas clouds filled the stadium, triggering widespread panic.
There has been public outrage over the police’s handling of the situation, with some accusing authorities of using excessive force on grieving citizens. Human rights groups are calling for an investigation into the events and the reported deaths.
Raila Odinga was a key figure in Kenya’s political landscape for decades, known for his role in democratic reforms and multiple presidential campaigns. His death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, and the mourning process has drawn massive national attention.
