Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has spoken publicly for the first time about the tragic deaths that occurred during the send-off ceremonies of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, Sifuna confirmed that his office had reached out to the families of those who lost their lives at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums during the public viewing events.
“My office is in contact with some of the families who lost their loved ones during Baba’s send-off at Kasarani and Nyayo. Those were needless and unfortunate deaths, most of them due to gunshot wounds,” Sifuna wrote on X.
He further expressed condolences on behalf of the ODM Party, describing the deaths as “tragic and unnecessary,” and pledged both moral and material support to the affected families.
“We have extended our condolences and pledged support in this tragic loss. We hope to have reached all of them by day end today,” he added.
Chaos at Kasarani as Mourners Overwhelmed Security
The tragic events unfolded on Thursday, October 16, when thousands of mourners gathered at Kasarani Stadium to view Raila Odinga’s body.
Originally, the State Funeral Committee had planned the public viewing to take place at Parliament Buildings. However, the overwhelming turnout prompted organizers to relocate the ceremony to Kasarani to accommodate the massive crowds.
Despite the change, the numbers far exceeded expectations, resulting in chaos at the main entry points.
Reports indicate that the situation spiraled out of control when mourners pushed past barriers, overwhelming officers who responded with force.
Stampede at Nyayo Adds to Tragedy
A separate tragedy occurred the following day, Friday, October 17, at Nyayo National Stadium, where Raila’s State Funeral was being held.
A stampede broke out as mourners queued to view the body of the former Prime Minister.
Credible reports have confirmed that two people died in the incident, while hundrends of others sustained injuries.
The back-to-back incidents have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a dignified farewell to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
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