Four Killed and Scores Injured as Police Fire Teargas at Nairobi Mourners

A public viewing of the body of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, descended into chaos on Thursday, October 16, 2025, resulting in the tragic deaths of four people and numerous injuries.

The incident occurred at the Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani Stadium) in Nairobi, where thousands of mourners had gathered to pay their respects to the long-time opposition leader, who died on Wednesday in India at the age of 80.

Tensions at the 60,000-capacity stadium escalated when surging crowds breached a restricted presidential pavilion. Security forces responded with force, reportedly firing shots and deploying teargas canisters to disperse the mourners. This action triggered a massive stampede near the stadium gates as people fled the scene in panic. Local media and rights groups have confirmed that four people were killed during the melee, with scores more sustaining injuries.

The arrival of Odinga’s body in the capital on Thursday morning had already drawn massive crowds, who escorted the military vehicle carrying his coffin from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), forcing the re-routing of the public viewing from Parliament to the larger Kasarani Stadium.

The violent dispersal has sparked outrage, with critics questioning the security forces’ excessive use of force on mourners. President William Ruto, who arrived at the stadium shortly after the incident with members of the Odinga family, has declared Friday, October 17, 2025, a public holiday for a state funeral service to be held in Nairobi. Odinga’s burial is scheduled for Sunday at his ancestral home in Bondo, western Kenya.