Chaos at Kasarani as Police Lob Teargas to Disperse Mourners During Raila Odinga’s Body Viewing

Chaos erupted at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday as police were forced to lob teargas to disperse thousands of mourners who had gathered to view the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

The situation turned chaotic after an impatient crowd surged toward the main dais, where President William Ruto and other national leaders had gathered ahead of the official public viewing ceremony.

Police, in an attempt to control the swelling crowd, resorted to firing teargas canisters after some mourners began hurling stones and breaching security barriers. The sudden commotion disrupted the solemn event, forcing several dignitaries to temporarily seek shelter as the situation was brought under control.

Thousands of Kenyans had turned up at Kasarani to pay their last respects to the man fondly remembered as the father of devolution and a champion of Kenya’s democratic reforms.

President Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen, and several leaders across the political divide had already arrived for the ceremony when the disturbance began.

The decision to hold the viewing at Kasarani came after a last-minute change to the original plan, which had placed the event at the Parliament Buildings. According to the National Steering Committee, the shift was prompted by security and logistical challenges, given the overwhelming number of mourners expected.

“Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of H.E. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani,” ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale announced earlier. “Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani where they shall have enough space and time to view the body.”

The remains of the late Raila Odinga had arrived earlier in the morning from India, where he passed away following a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment. His casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by President Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, and senior government officials before being escorted to Kasarani under heavy security.

Initial plans to move the body to Lee Funeral Home for final preparations before public viewing at Parliament were abandoned due to escalating crowd pressure and logistical complications. Military officials and morticians initially stationed at Lee were later redirected to Kasarani to facilitate the new arrangements.

As calm slowly returned to the stadium, officials urged the public to remain orderly and respectful, emphasizing that all mourners would eventually get a chance to pay their last respects to the late statesman.