At least three individuals have died in Kenya after police officers deployed gunfire and tear gas at a stadium where mourners had congregated to pay their respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Vocal Africa, a prominent human rights organization, informed the BBC that three bodies of individuals killed in the ensuing chaos were taken to the city’s central mortuary. Local media outlets have reported a fourth fatality as officers worked to disperse the overwhelming crowds.
It remains unclear whether police utilized live ammunition or rubber bullets within the Nairobi stadium. Vocal Africa reports that the deceased sustained gunshot wounds.
Odinga, a significant figure in Kenyan politics, passed away in India on Wednesday.
His body arrived at the country’s primary airport on Thursday morning, where authorities were compelled to temporarily suspend flight operations due to the massive gathering of mourners.
Mourners reportedly gained access to restricted areas, prompting a “precautionary closure” that lasted approximately two hours.
Following the airport arrival, thousands participated in a procession, escorting the vehicle carrying the body to the stadium, located approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) from the city center.
Due to the unexpectedly large turnout, the public viewing ceremony for Odinga’s body was relocated to Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre in the Kasarani neighborhood, instead of the parliament building, its initially scheduled location.
The convoy arrived at the packed stadium, with even more individuals waiting outside.
Shortly thereafter, a large crowd breached a gate at the arena, prompting police to deploy tear gas. Consequently, large numbers of mourners rushed toward the exits.
A BBC reporter on the scene also witnessed men in civilian attire using batons to strike protesters.
“We can confirm that by the end of the day that our officers who were stationed at the Nairobi Funeral Home, also known as City Mortuary, [saw] three bodies brought in with gunshot wounds,” Hussein Khalid, Vocal Africa’s CEO, told the BBC.
He added that further investigations were underway in the event that other bodies had been taken to different morgues.
After order was restored, dignitaries and government officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto, were able to view the coffin before the public viewing was initiated for a limited period.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who heads the funeral planning committee, held a press briefing on Thursday evening, but did not address the chaos or fatalities.
He stated that following Friday’s state funeral, which would be conducted with full military honors, the public would be invited to view the body “for as long as is necessary.”
Earlier, supporters gathered at Lee Funeral Home, where the body was initially expected, and around parliament.
“I came here at six in the morning. We have been at the airport to welcome Baba [Odinga’s nickname],” one mourner near the airport told the BBC.
“We are sad, we have been left as orphans. He is our father.”
Motorcycle rider William Otieno Adoyo identified himself as a “Baba die-hard.”
“We want to see Baba, how do we know it’s him in the casket? Let them show us and we’ll be contented,” he told the BBC.
Mourners have been carrying branches and palm fronds, symbols of mourning and grief among the Luo ethnic group, to which Odinga belonged.
On Saturday, his body will be transported to Kisumu, a city in western Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria, which served as his political stronghold.
The public will be afforded the opportunity to view the body before he is buried on Sunday at his farm in Bondo, approximately 60 kilometers west of Kisumu.
According to the family, Odinga wished to be laid to rest as quickly as possible, ideally within 72 hours.
The 80-year-old former prime minister collapsed during a morning walk in India on Wednesday morning and was taken to Devamatha Hospital, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of the port city of Kochi.
A seven-day period of mourning has been declared.
He was a towering figure in Kenyan politics and, for many years, the country’s main opposition leader, losing five presidential campaigns, most recently three years ago.
Odinga repeatedly alleged that he was defrauded of victory, citing the manipulation of votes.
Additional reporting by Akisa Wandera, Basillioh Rukanga and Anne Soy in Nairobi
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