NAIROBI, KENYA – Tragedy unfolded in Kenya as police clashed with mourners at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The chaos erupted when thousands of people gathered to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80.
Eyewitnesses reported that police used live fire and tear gas to disperse the crowd, which had grown unruly as mourners tried to catch a glimpse of Odinga’s body. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with panicked crowds rushing for safety and tear gas filling the air.
The government has declared seven days of national mourning and announced plans for a state funeral to be held on Friday. However, the public viewing at the Kasarani Stadium turned into a disaster, with several people reportedly killed and many more injured in the chaos.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express their shock and grief over the loss of Odinga, a veteran politician who played a key role in the country’s democratic development.
As the nation mourns the loss of a key figure, the incident has also raised questions about the use of force by security forces and the need for restraint in handling crowds.
The government is expected to launch an investigation into the incident, and many are calling for accountability and justice for the families of those affected.
