Two people died and more than 100 others were injured on Friday during a stampede at the state funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, officials and aid agencies said.
Thousands of mourners had gathered to pay their final respects to the 80-year-old opposition leader, whose death in India on October 15 marked the end of a political era.
The crowd surge occurred after the main funeral service as people pushed forward for a final viewing of the casket.
Doctors Without Borders said more than 160 people were treated at the scene for injuries ranging from fractures to blunt trauma, while 34 were referred to hospitals for further care. Seventeen were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital.
The funeral service, led by the Anglican Church of Kenya, was attended by President William Ruto, top government officials, and dignitaries from across Africa.
In his tribute, Ruto described Odinga as a “towering statesman” who dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy and unity.
The tragedy followed a similar incident on Thursday during a public viewing of the body, where three people reportedly died amid clashes between police and mourners struggling to access the venue.
Despite tightened security for Friday’s ceremony, the massive turnout overwhelmed crowd-control measures.
Odinga’s body arrived in Nairobi on Thursday from New Delhi and was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by President Ruto, family members, and senior officials.
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After the stampede, Odinga’s family appealed for calm, urging mourners to honor his legacy peacefully.
On Saturday, October 18, the body will be flown to Kisumu for a public viewing at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, before being transported to his hometown of Bondo, Siaya County, for burial on Sunday, October 19.
The burial will be conducted by the Anglican Church in line with Odinga’s wish to be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
Authorities have pledged to review security and crowd-management protocols following the twin tragedies that have overshadowed the national mourning period.
Odinga, who served as Kenya’s prime minister from 2008 to 2013, was a central figure in the country’s pro-democracy movement and one of its most influential post-independence politicians.