Mourning for Raila Odinga: Tear Gas and Tributes at Nairobi Ceremony

Chaos at the Stadium as Mourners Gather

In a somber scene in Nairobi, large crowds of mourners gathered at a stadium to pay their respects to the late Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister. Odinga’s body was flown in from India, where he passed away, prompting an outpouring of grief across the nation.

Police Respond to Crowds with Tear Gas

During the gathering, police deployed tear gas in a bid to control the surging crowds. Reports indicate gunshots were also fired, the nature of which—whether live ammunition or rubber bullets—remains unclear. Several individuals suffered injuries amidst the chaos as security forces attempted to disperse the crowd.

Crowd Management Issues at the Airport

The situation became tense at the main airport where thousands had initially gathered to receive Odinga’s body. Mourners, carrying twigs and palm branches, forced a temporary halt to flights as they accessed restricted zones, prompting authorities to enact a brief “precautionary closure.”

Public Viewing Moves to Moi International Sports Centre

Due to the overwhelming number of attendees, the public viewing was relocated from the parliament building to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. Thousands marched in procession, escorting the vehicle carrying Odinga’s body approximately 10 kilometers from the city center to the stadium.

Scenes of Grief and Determination

A BBC reporter on the scene described heartbreaking moments when a large crowd breached a stadium gate, leading to the police’s tear gas response. Eyewitnesses reported that men dressed in civilian clothes were seen attacking protesters with batons. At least three individuals were visibly injured during these chaotic moments.

Anticipation for State Funeral

The state funeral for Raila Odinga is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo National Stadium. Following this, his body will be transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold, before the final burial takes place in Bondo. This funeral will allow the public to view his body, fulfilling the family’s desire to adhere to Odinga’s wish of being laid to rest swiftly.

A Legacy Remembered

Raila Odinga, an iconic figure in Kenyan politics and a former opposition leader, collapsed during a morning walk in India before he passed away. He had previously contested five presidential elections, leaving a profound impact on the country’s political landscape. As a seven-day mourning period is declared, tributes and remembrances continue to pour in for a leader who was regarded as a father figure by many.