2 Dead, 160 Injured in Stampede at Funeral of Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga

Post by : Saif Nasser

Two people were killed and more than 160 others were injured during a stampede at the state funeral of Kenya’s opposition leader, Raila Odinga, in Nairobi on Friday. The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed the casualties.

The funeral took place at Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Odinga, a major political figure in Kenya for more than four decades. Police and security officers were deployed in large numbers to manage the crowd.

According to Kenyan broadcaster NTV, the stampede happened when some mourners rushed forward to see Odinga’s body during the ceremony. This sudden movement caused panic and chaos in the crowd, leading to injuries and deaths.

A Kenya Red Cross spokesperson said emergency teams were helping the injured and moving them to nearby hospitals. Most victims suffered from fractures and blunt trauma, according to MSF.

The tragedy came just a day after three people died on Thursday when police opened fire at mourners who forced their way into Kasarani Stadium during a public viewing of Odinga’s body.

Raila Odinga, aged 80, died in India on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment. He was one of Kenya’s most famous and influential politicians, known for fighting for democracy and fair elections. He ran for president five times but never won, although many of his supporters believe he was denied victory through election fraud.

At Friday’s ceremony, mourners waved white handkerchiefs, blew whistles and vuvuzelas, and danced under banners showing Odinga’s portrait. Many called him “Baba,” which means father in Swahili, to show their love and respect.

President William Ruto also attended the funeral, which included full military honors.

Since Thursday, thousands of Kenyans have gathered in the streets to mourn and celebrate Odinga’s life. When his body arrived in Kenya, mourners even stormed the airport, forcing a two-hour suspension of flights.

Odinga will be buried on Sunday at his family home in western Kenya, where he has deep roots and loyal supporters, especially from the Luo community.

Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenya’s political history. He spent years in prison under former regimes, led protests against corruption, and served as Prime Minister in 2008. He also made peace with former rivals, including Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 and President Ruto in 2024, showing his lifelong influence on the country’s politics.