Chaos erupted at Kasarani International Stadium on Thursday as police fired teargas to control a restless crowd that had gathered to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Thousands of mourners turned up to pay their respects, with some sections seen throwing stones at officers in the tense scenes that unfolded.
The crowd, swelling toward the presidential dais, had been eagerly awaiting the procession from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where Raila’s remains had arrived earlier in the morning from India following his death from cardiac arrest. Initial plans to move the body to Lee Funeral Home for preparation before public viewing at Parliament buildings were abandoned amid mounting security concerns.
President William Ruto was among national leaders at Kasarani to oversee the arrangements and console the family. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and other elected leaders from across the political divide also attended.
The sudden relocation of the public viewing to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was announced by ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale, who said: “Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of HE Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani where they shall have enough space and time to view the body.”
Military officials and morticians who had been stationed at Lee Funeral Home were redirected to Kasarani to continue preparations. Draped in the Kenyan flag, Raila’s casket was received by President Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga amid military honours before being placed on a gun carriage for transport under tight security.
Aboard the plane bringing Raila’s body was a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The scenes at Kasarani reflected both the deep respect Kenyans hold for the former Prime Minister and the logistical challenges of accommodating such a massive turnout.