At least two people are feared to have been killed and dozens injured on Thursday, October 16, 2025, after security forces fired on and used tear gas to disperse surging crowds at Kasarani Stadium, where thousands had gathered for a planned public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The event was moved to the 48,000-seat stadium after huge turnouts at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi Central Business District for public viewing. However, chaos erupted when mourners pushed through barriers and surged toward the area where the coffin was to be displayed.
Live video from the stadium showed large numbers of people pressing against gates and security cordons. Police and paramilitary units responded by firing tear gas and discharging firearms, in some accounts into the air and in others with live rounds, to try to control the crowd.
Reports later said at least two people were feared dead and several others wounded; some media outlets reported higher casualty figures as the situation remained fluid while authorities attempted to re-establish order.
The public viewing was briefly disrupted but later resumed under heavy security. Government officials confirmed the viewing and provided limited on-scene updates as investigations were promised.
The unrest followed an earlier surge of crowds when Odinga’s body arrived in Nairobi and supporters massed at the airport and along processional routes. Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics who served as prime minister and led opposition movements for decades, died in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, prompting a national outpouring of grief.
Amisi condemns police
Following the incidents at Kasarani on Thursday, Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi condemned the excessive force of police authorities to control the surging crowds during the exercise.
Taking to his X account on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Amisi said the authorities had spoiled Raila’s funeral by lobbing teargas at mourners who had gathered at Kasarani Stadium to pay last respects to their leader.
”Police have officially spoiled Baba’s funeral. This is not proper. Can’t we reason through situations before actions? Shooting live bullets in a mammoth crowd in a stadium is simply stupid,” Amisi said.
The lawmaker further asked for proper ways to control crowds during similar occasions in the future.
