At least four people lost their lives on Thursday and many others were injured during a stampede at a Nairobi stadium where the body of opposition leader Raila Odinga was laid in state. Security forces reportedly fired live rounds and deployed tear gas in response to surging crowds.
The stampede occurred after mourners breached the main gate of the stadium, prompting troops to fire shots into the air. A police source told Reuters two persons were initially killed at the venue. Local broadcasters later confirmed that the death toll had risen to four.
Thousands of Odinga supporters had gathered across Nairobi earlier in the day, seeking to view the late leader’s body. In a related incident, crowds stormed the city’s international airport, disrupting a ceremony intended for President William Ruto and other dignitaries receiving Odinga’s remains. That action led to a two‑hour suspension of airport operations.
Odinga, aged 80, died in India, where he had been undergoing medical treatment. In response to his passing, President Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, and arrangements are underway for a state funeral in Odinga’s home region.
The late politician was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, an opposition icon who once served as prime minister and ran for the presidency on multiple occasions. His legacy includes persistent advocacy for constitutional reform and democratic governance.
