Tight security, high emotions mark Raila Odinga’s requiem mass in Nairobi
As early as 6 a.m. on Friday, Kenyans began flocking to Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi for the requiem mass of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Carrying Kenyan flags and waving the signature color of Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement, mourners sang heartfelt songs in tribute. A heavy security presence, including officers from the Kenya Defence Forces and anti-terrorism units, quietly watched.
The increased security was on hand to prevent a repeat of Thursday’s violence. At least three people were killed at Kasarani Stadium after attempting to breach the VIP section during a public viewing of Odinga’s casket. Security personnel strictly limited the number of attendees entering Nyayo Stadium on Friday, allowing only small groups in at a time to maintain crowd control.
Dignitaries, led by President William Ruto, Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arrived at the venue, joining the sea of mourners.
Emotions ran high when Odinga’s casket, draped in the Kenyan national flag, entered on a military gun carriage. Mourners broke into song and wailed as the cortege made a final lap around the stadium.
After tributes from family and political leaders, members of the public proceeded from their seats for a second chance to view Odinga’s body. But what followed quickly turned chaotic.
Thousands of mourners, eager to pay their respects, were directed to a single gate opening onto the tartan track, flanked by armed soldiers. The military acted as a barrier, guiding the mourners towards the tent where Odinga’s body lay.
However, the crowd’s eagerness soon turned into a frenzy. Pushing and shoving led to a stampede, and several mourners were injured as they collapsed on the ground. Emergency medical teams, including military personnel, rushed to assist, while two additional ambulances were called in to transport the wounded to the hospital.
Some mourners, overcome by grief after viewing Odinga’s body, were also helped by emergency workers on site. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 17 people were treated for injuries.
Another public viewing will take place Saturday in Kisumu County, before Odinga is laid to rest in Bondo, Siaya County, beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president.
