What was meant to be a solemn farewell to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga turned tragic on Saturday morning after a stampede broke out at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, leaving several mourners injured.
According to reports by CGTN reporter Trix Ingado and multiple local media outlets, the incident occurred when thousands of mourners — many of whom had camped outside the gates overnight — surged forward as the gates were opened for the public viewing of Odinga’s body.
Witnesses said the crowd became uncontrollable as people scrambled to secure a glimpse of the casket draped in the national flag. In the confusion, barriers gave way, and several individuals were trampled or suffocated in the crush. Security officers and medics on site rushed to help, ferrying the injured to nearby medical tents and hospitals in Kisumu.
While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, initial reports from NTV and Reuters indicate that several mourners sustained serious injuries, and a few were hospitalized in critical condition.
Scenes of Chaos Amid National Grief
Videos shared online show chaotic moments as police and military personnel attempted to restore order amid screams and confusion. Some mourners were seen carrying the injured to ambulances, while others collapsed from exhaustion and shock.
The tragedy cast a dark shadow over what had been an emotional day of national mourning for Odinga — a man many Kenyans affectionately called “Baba.”
Nation in Mourning
Odinga’s body arrived in Kisumu on Friday evening under tight security, as thousands lined the streets to pay their last respects. The viewing at Mamboleo Stadium was part of a three-day public farewell before his planned burial at his Opoda Farm in Siaya County.
Earlier this week, similar scenes of emotional crowds were witnessed in Nairobi, where police reportedly fired warning shots and tear gas to control surging mourners at Parliament Buildings during the public viewing, leaving several people injured.
The government, through the Ministry of Interior, had promised heightened security measures for subsequent ceremonies — yet today’s events highlighted the overwhelming nature of public grief and the logistical challenges of crowd control during such mass gatherings.
A Legacy Larger Than Life
Raila Odinga, a five-time presidential candidate and lifelong democracy advocate, passed away in India earlier this month after battling kidney and heart complications. He was 80 years old.
President William Ruto and other leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, have described Odinga as a patriot whose fight for democracy shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
As thousands continue to mourn across the nation, questions are being raised over the safety protocols at the Kisumu stadium and whether the local security apparatus underestimated the size and emotion of the crowd.
Authorities Promise Investigation
County officials and the National Police Service have since confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the cause of the stampede and assess whether adequate crowd management measures were in place.
Meanwhile, Odinga’s family has appealed for calm and dignity as the country continues to honor his memory.
“Baba would have wanted peace and unity even in our grief,” a family spokesperson said. “We urge all Kenyans to remain orderly and allow everyone a chance to bid farewell safely.”
Raila Odinga’s state funeral is scheduled for Sunday, with dignitaries from across Africa expected to attend.
