National Funeral Committee co-chair Oburu Oginga has expressed strong disapproval over the use of tear gas during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, calling for calm and respect throughout the funeral proceedings.
Speaking on Friday, from Karen, during a press briefing by the committee Oburu described the deployment of tear gas at Kasarani International Stadium as unacceptable.
“I would like to express my disappointment that yesterday, there was some tear gas which was thrown around. I don’t, I really don’t like tear gas to see Raila should not be in be tear gassed in death. He was tear-gassed enough when he was alive. Please, let us not cause a situation where he’s tear gassed again when we are escorting him,” he said.
Oburu urged mourners and security officers to ensure order and allow people to grieve peacefully. “Let us behave in a way that does not give any reason for tear gassing and even using force against our people who are innocent. They have come to mourn, and they should be allowed to mourn peacefully, please,” he added.
Thursday’s viewing at the stadium turned tense as police fired shots to disperse crowds after thousands of mourners surged forward to see Raila’s body, which had been flown back from India. At least two people were reported dead in the unrest.
Some mourners were seen throwing stones at police, prompting authorities to use tear gas to regain control.
Despite the clashes, Oburu emphasized that Sunday’s events would focus on a dignified final send-off for the veteran leader.