Eighteen people were injured in a stampede during the state funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, held Friday at a packed stadium in Nairobi. The tragedy occurred as thousands of mourners surged forward to view the casket of the late statesman, who died earlier this week in India at age 80.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the chaos “left many in need of urgent care.” A source at the country’s main referral hospital confirmed that 18 people were being treated for injuries sustained during the crush.
Crowds had gathered in unprecedented numbers since Odinga’s death on Wednesday, proving his profound impact on Kenya’s political and democratic journey. His casket, draped in the national flag, was placed before a sea of mourners waving twigs, traditional symbols of peace, and portraits of the veteran opposition leader.
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Security at the stadium was heightened following a deadly incident the previous day, when three people died and at least ten others were injured during another public viewing. Police had reportedly fired live rounds and tear gas to control surging crowds.
Odinga, who ran for president five times but never won, was widely respected for his lifelong commitment to democracy and reform. His body had earlier lain in state at Parliament, an honor typically reserved for presidents and former presidents.
President William Ruto, who once campaigned alongside Odinga in 2007 before later becoming his political rival, praised him as “a legislator who played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in our Republic’s history.” Leading mourners in singing Odinga’s favorite tune, Harry Belafonte’s “Jamaica Farewell,” Ruto added, “Whenever the nation needed him to rise above self, he always did so unreservedly.”
Anglican Bishop David Kodia, who presided over the funeral service, urged leaders to emulate Odinga’s integrity and selflessness, describing him as a man who despised corruption and personal gain.
Political analyst Herman Manyora of the University of Nairobi said the overwhelming public grief spoke volumes about Odinga’s legacy. “You can’t point at a man more willing to sacrifice everything just for the sake of his people,” he told The Associated Press.
READ ALSO: Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga dies in India at age 80
Odinga’s wife, Ida, and their children, Winnie, Rosemary, and Raila Odinga Jr., also paid tribute. Ida called for peaceful mourning, while Winnie shared that her father passed away “strong, with dignity and pride,” after extending his usual morning walk to five laps around the Indian hospital where he was receiving care. His son Junior, wearing his father’s signature beaded hat and holding a fly whisk, vowed to carry forward his legacy.
Kenyans will have one final opportunity to view Odinga’s body in Kisumu on Saturday before his burial on Sunday in his hometown of Bondo. His family said he wished for a swift burial, ideally within 72 hours.
