At least 3 people killed as Raila's body viewing turns chaotic

At least three people died and several others were injured in chaos that erupted at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where thousands of Kenyans had gathered to view the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

A stampede occurred after crowds surged toward the Presidential Pavilion entrance, forcing security personnel to fire in the air to control the swelling number of mourners eager to pay their last respects.

Security officers reportedly opened fire, leaving at least three people dead from gunshot wounds.

What started off as a day to pay last respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga quickly took a deadly turn, turning chaotic soon after security officers opened fire and lobbed tear gas at the crowd, which had grown agitated after hours of waiting for the body of the late premier.

The chaos claimed an unknown number of lives, even as Citizen TV confirmed at least three bodies lying lifeless in and around Kasarani Stadium.

Despite desperate last-minute efforts by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo to call off the trigger-happy officers, police are seen in videos recklessly lobbing tear gas at mourners seated on the stands. This seemingly only worsened the volatile situation, sending people fleeing in panic.

The chaotic scenes underscored the emotional weight of Odinga’s death for millions of Kenyans who viewed him as a symbol of democracy and reform. Despite the tragedy, thousands continued to hold onto hope that they would have one more chance to catch a glimpse of the slain leader.