Raila Odinga, Kenya’s longtime opposition leader and former prime minister, was being honored at a public memorial in Nairobi on Thursday when tragedy struck. Kenyan police opened fire on tens of thousands of mourners, killing at least two people and injuring dozens more in a shocking escalation of force during a national moment of grief.
What Happened at the Stadium?
The memorial service was held at Nyayo National Stadium, where crowds had gathered to pay their final respects to Odinga, who passed away earlier this week. Eyewitness footage showed plumes of tear gas filling the air as panicked mourners fled in all directions. Screams echoed through the arena as security forces moved aggressively to disperse the crowd.
According to Adamson Bungei, Kenya’s head of police operations, the violence erupted after mourners breached the restricted area near Odinga’s coffin. Local media, however, reported that as many as four people may have died in the chaos—a figure not yet confirmed by official sources.
Raila Odinga: A Political Titan
Odinga, 79, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades. A five-time presidential candidate, he was known as a relentless advocate for multiparty democracy and social justice. Even political rivals, including current President William Ruto, acknowledged his legacy.
“Raila Odinga was a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics, an indomitable warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity,” President Ruto wrote on social media.
Despite attending the memorial, Ruto did not address the violence that unfolded during the event.
Kenya’s History of Police Brutality
Thursday’s incident is not isolated. It follows a pattern of heavy-handed policing during public demonstrations in Kenya. Just months ago, in June 2025, nationwide protests against President Ruto’s government turned deadly—at least 16 people were killed and hundreds wounded. The death of a prominent blogger while in police custody further inflamed public anger.
Critics argue that Kenya’s security forces continue to operate with impunity, using excessive force against civilians under the guise of maintaining order.
Public Outcry and Political Fallout
News of the shootings has sparked outrage across Kenya and the international community. In Kisumu—Odinga’s political stronghold in western Kenya—thousands took to the streets in grief and protest. Social media erupted with calls for accountability.
Opposition leaders have demanded an immediate investigation into the police actions, warning that the incident could deepen political fractures in an already tense climate.
What’s Next?
A state funeral for Raila Odinga is scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, followed by a public viewing. Many fear further unrest if authorities fail to address the violence transparently.
Key Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 13, 2025 | Raila Odinga passes away at age 79 |
| Oct 16, 2025 | Memorial held at Nyayo Stadium; police open fire, killing 2+ |
| Oct 17, 2025 | State funeral scheduled in Nairobi |
