Four Dead as Security Forces Fire on Mourners in Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya – At least four people have died in Nairobi after Kenyan security forces opened fire and deployed tear gas to disperse crowds gathered to mourn opposition leader Raila Odinga. The incident occurred at a stadium where Odinga’s body was lying in state, prompting chaotic scenes as thousands attempted to pay their respects. Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, died in India on Wednesday at the age of 80, where he was receiving medical treatment.
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Stadium Chaos and Fatalities
The unrest began when a large crowd breached a gate at Nairobi’s main stadium, Kasarani Stadium, where Odinga’s body was lying in state. A Reuters witness reported that soldiers fired shots into the air in response to the breach. Subsequently, a police source confirmed to Reuters that two people were shot dead at the stadium. Later reports from KTN News and Citizen TV indicated that the death toll had risen to four, with numerous others sustaining injuries.
Following the initial gunfire, police deployed tear gas to disperse the thousands of mourners who had gathered at the stadium. The use of tear gas resulted in the stadium being quickly deserted. The events unfolded amidst a large turnout of Odinga’s supporters, who had been on the streets since early morning to pay their respects to the veteran politician.
Airport Disruption and Parliamentary Gathering Attempt
Earlier in the day, prior to the events at the stadium, thousands of mourners stormed Nairobi’s international airport. Their actions disrupted a ceremony that was planned for President William Ruto and other government officials to receive Odinga’s body with military honors upon its arrival from India. This incident led to a two-hour suspension of airport operations as authorities worked to regain control of the situation.
In addition to the airport disruption, crowds also flooded nearby roads and attempted to breach parliament. The government had initially scheduled the public viewing of Odinga’s body to take place at the parliament building, but the large crowds and subsequent security concerns led to the change in venue to the stadium. The attempts to access both the airport and parliament highlight the intensity of emotion and the large scale of public mourning following Odinga’s death.
Odinga’s Legacy and Political Career
Raila Odinga was a central figure in Kenyan politics for decades. He served as a political prisoner and ran for president five times, though never successfully. Despite being primarily known as an opposition figure, Odinga also served as prime minister in 2008 and formed a political alliance with President Ruto in 2022. His career was marked by shifting alliances and a prominent role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Odinga commanded a passionate following, particularly among his Luo community in western Kenya. Many of his supporters believe he was denied the presidency due to electoral fraud. His efforts as an activist were widely recognized, with many Kenyans, including those too young to remember the transition to multi-party democracy in 1991, acknowledging his contributions to the freedoms they enjoy today. As Felix Ambani Uneck, a university student, stated at the stadium, “He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle.”
Aftermath and Investigation
The events surrounding the arrival of Raila Odinga’s body and the subsequent mourning period have raised serious concerns about the use of force by security forces in managing public gatherings. An investigation into the shootings and the deployment of tear gas is expected to be launched to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths and injuries at the stadium. The incident highlights the deep political divisions within Kenya and the challenges of managing large-scale public events during periods of heightened emotion.
The loss of life and the disruption of mourning ceremonies have further fueled tensions in the country. As Kenya prepares for Odinga’s funeral, authorities are under pressure to ensure that future gatherings are conducted peacefully and with respect for the rights of mourners. The legacy of Raila Odinga and the circumstances surrounding his death will likely continue to shape Kenya’s political discourse in the coming months.
The deaths of four individuals during the mourning of Raila Odinga underscore the volatile political climate in Kenya and the need for restraint and accountability in the use of force by security forces. The investigations into the incidents at the stadium and the airport are crucial for ensuring justice and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The nation mourns the loss of a prominent political figure amid calls for peace and unity.
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