Police on Thursday afternoon fired tear gas at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, dispersing thousands of mourners who had gathered to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The situation quickly turned chaotic as thick clouds of tear gas filled the 48,000-capacity stadium, forcing mourners to flee in panic. Within minutes, the venue that had been packed to capacity was nearly empty as people scrambled for safety.
According to initial reports, the commotion began after a section of the crowd started throwing stones toward the pitch, prompting a heavy response from police officers stationed around the stadium.
Videos circulating online showed individuals believed to be police officers using batons to drive people out of the stadium as others coughed and covered their faces to escape the choking gas.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that several people sustained injuries during the chaos, with one person reportedly shot as security forces tried to restore order.
Earlier, Raila’s body had arrived at Kasarani at around 2:40 p.m., where thousands of mourners, many waving twigs and chanting his name, had gathered to pay their final respects.
Crowds had escorted the late leader’s remains from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where President William Ruto led senior government officials in receiving the body. The public viewing was initially scheduled to take place at Parliament Buildings but was moved to Kasarani due to the overwhelming turnout in Nairobi.
“The viewing of the body of H.E. 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,” ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale said in an earlier statement.
The planned procession to Lee Funeral Home before the public viewing was also cancelled.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, as security personnel continue to monitor the situation at the stadium.
This is a developing story
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