Police fired teargas at Kasarani International Stadium on Thursday after an emotional crowd surged forward during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body.
Thousands had gathered from early morning, many carrying flags, portraits, and flowers in honour of the man widely seen as the face of Kenya’s democratic struggle. But as the gates opened, sections of the restless crowd broke through barriers, prompting police to intervene.
According to witnesses, some mourners threw stones at officers as tempers flared. The confrontation forced security personnel to respond with teargas to disperse the crowd. “It was chaos for a few minutes,” said one attendee, his voice hoarse from the smoke. “People were emotional. Everyone wanted to see Baba.”
The late leader’s body, flown in from India on Wednesday, was brought to Kasarani for viewing following a last-minute change to the official programme. Originally, the event was to be held at Parliament Buildings, but officials cited “security and logistical concerns,” noting that Kasarani could better accommodate the massive turnout.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were among senior government officials already at the stadium when the incident occurred. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who is overseeing security operations, later assured the public that order had been restored.
“The situation was quickly contained, and the programme has resumed,” a senior police officer told reporters at the scene. “We understand the grief and emotions, but safety must come first.”
By mid-morning, calm had returned to the stadium as mourners continued to file past the coffin draped in the national flag.
Raila Odinga, 80, passed away last week in Kochi, India, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death has plunged the nation into mourning, with thousands expected to attend his state funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday before his final burial in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday.
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