- Kenyans flocked to Nyayo Stadium early at 6:00 am for the memorial service of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
- President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, were among the main leaders who celebrated the emotional event
- Everything went smoothly until mourners were allowed to view the body and pay their last respects to the former prime minister.
Kenyans arrived at Nyayo stadium in large numbers on Friday, October 17, for the memorial service of the former prime minister Raila Odingawho died in India on Wednesday, October 15.
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Thousands of Raila’s supporters started arriving at the venue as early as 6am to pay their last respects to the veteran politician, a man they loved and adored.
Was there a stampede at Nyayo Stadium?
President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyattawere among the celebrities who attended the event organized in the historic stadium of Kenya.
Everything went according to plan, political and religious leaders praising the strength and training they received from Raila.
However, commotion and tension began when mourners were allowed to view the body of the former prime minister.
In the ensuing riots, several people were knocked to the ground, trampled by the mob, and knocked unconscious.
Doctors and first responders from the Kenya Red Cross quickly responded to revive several people who were filmed lying unresponsive on the field.
Kenya Defense Force (KDF) officers and other security officers who were in the packed stadium also came forward to help save lives.
The Kenya Red Cross Ambulance arrived at the scene in time, and the fainted mourners were quickly picked up and rushed to the hospital for further treatment.
How many people died in Kasarani?
At least three people were shot dead on Thursday, October 16, when Raila’s body was transported to Kasarani public viewing.
The event, which was expected to be peaceful and grand, turned into chaos when mourners stormed the recently renovated stadium and demanded to see Raila’s body.
The original plan was to take the remains to the Lee Funeral Home, then to the parliament for public viewing.
However, the venue was changed and moved to Kasarani to accommodate the large crowd that had gathered in the constituency.
When a conflict broke out, security officers fired bullets and tear gas, killing three people.
In one of the videos that later surfaced online, an emotional father was seen crying uncontrollably after learning that his son was among the victims.
Meshack Okede was recorded crying after looking at the body of his son, Vincent Otieno Ogutu, who was shot and killed during the riots and struggled to look at Raila’s body.
Otieno was 40 years old. He left behind a wife and three children.
Where will Raila be buried?
Mother Ida Odinga she called on Kenyans to be calm and composed, even as they mourn her husband, the man she professed to love.
Raila will be buried at Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya county, on Sunday, October 19.
The family revealed that it was his intention to be buried within 72 hours of death.
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