On a somber Thursday morning, Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium was packed to its 60,000-seat capacity, as thousands of Kenyans gathered to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, the nation’s former prime minister and a towering figure in African politics. But what was meant to be a day of collective mourning and reflection quickly descended into chaos, as security forces fired live rounds in the air and lobbed tear gas canisters at the throngs of mourners, leaving at least four people dead and scores injured, according to multiple news agencies including Reuters, France 24, and the Associated Press.
Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025, at age 80 while receiving medical care in Kerala, India, had been a fixture in Kenyan political life for decades. His body, returned to Nairobi the following day, was met with a water cannon salute at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. But the planned ceremonial reception—intended for close family and top government officials—was abruptly interrupted when thousands of supporters overwhelmed airport security, demanding to see their beloved leader one last time. The resulting chaos led to a two-hour suspension of airport operations, with some mourners even climbing aircraft stairs and accessing stationary planes in their fervor to pay their respects (Reuters).
From the airport, Odinga’s body was escorted by military vehicle on an 18-mile journey to Kasarani Stadium. Supporters lined the route, waving twigs and branches—a Luo tradition symbolizing unity and collective mourning—while singing liberation songs and lighting candles. The mood was heavy, yet spirited, as Nairobi’s major highways filled with tearful faces and heartfelt tributes to a man many called "Baba," a Kiswahili honorific for a beloved father figure (AP).
But the atmosphere shifted dramatically when crowds breached the stadium’s presidential pavilion. Security forces responded by firing live ammunition into the air and deploying tear gas, triggering a stampede at the gates. Witnesses described scenes of panic, as mourners—some clutching children or carrying flowers—scrambled for safety. Leaders present at the stadium were reportedly locked inside a room for their own protection. The stadium, once packed, was left eerily deserted in the aftermath (Reuters, France 24).
Outside, the unrest spilled into the streets and even reached the halls of government. Earlier attempts by crowds to breach parliament, where the public viewing was originally scheduled, further underscored the emotional intensity and the logistical challenges of managing such a massive outpouring of grief (Reuters). Police increased patrols across Nairobi as thousands continued to gather at public sites, determined to honor Odinga’s legacy despite the risks.
Odinga’s influence on Kenyan politics is hard to overstate. He was a five-time presidential candidate, a former political prisoner, and a relentless advocate for multi-party democracy. Although he never achieved the presidency, his activism helped steer Kenya from one-party rule to a vibrant, if sometimes fractious, democracy. As university student Felix Ambani Uneck told Reuters at the stadium, “He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle.”
Odinga’s political journey was marked by shifting alliances and moments of both triumph and disappointment. After losing a hotly contested and disputed election in 2007, he served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 in a unity government forged through international mediation. In 2017, he successfully challenged the presidential election results in court—an unprecedented move in Africa—but ultimately boycotted the rerun, citing a lack of electoral reforms (AP).
Despite his reputation as a perennial opposition leader, Odinga was not averse to political compromise. Last year, he struck a pact with President William Ruto—his former rival—to appoint opposition members to the Cabinet, demonstrating his commitment to peace and unity over personal power. President Ruto, who won the 2022 election against Odinga, was among the first to pay tribute, describing him as “a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain” (AP).
Odinga’s passing has left a palpable void, especially among his Luo community in western Kenya and the younger generation who had not yet been born when Kenya transitioned to multi-party democracy in 1991. For them, Odinga’s life was a symbol of perseverance and hope. “We are in mourning as a country. We loved Baba so much, he was the defender of the people,” said Beatrice Adala, a mourner at the airport (AP).
The violence at Kasarani Stadium has drawn sharp criticism from Odinga’s supporters, many of whom accused the police of using an unnecessarily heavy-handed approach. Social media has been flooded with images of the victims, and eyewitnesses recounted the terror as gunfire scattered the crowd and several people were trampled. At least three to four people were confirmed killed, with dozens more injured, according to France 24 and Reuters. The incident underscores the fragile dynamics of public gatherings in Kenya’s capital, where deep passions and political tensions often collide.
In response to the tragedy and in recognition of Odinga’s enduring legacy, President Ruto declared seven days of national mourning and announced a public holiday for Friday, October 17, 2025. He also confirmed that Odinga would be given a state funeral on Sunday, October 19, at his family home in Bondo, some 420 kilometers west of Nairobi. A second public viewing is scheduled for Saturday in Kisumu, near Odinga’s rural home (AP).
According to Odinga’s family, he had requested to be buried quickly—ideally within 72 hours of his death—a wish that stands in contrast to the lengthy funeral rites often afforded to popular leaders in Kenya. The parliament, recognizing the scale of public grief, moved the planned viewing from its precincts to the stadium to accommodate the unprecedented crowds (AP).
As Kenya reflects on the turbulent events of October 16 and the legacy of Raila Odinga, one thing is clear: his impact on the nation’s political and social fabric will be felt for generations. The outpouring of emotion, the unity displayed in mourning, and even the chaos that erupted are all testament to the indelible mark he left on his country. As the nation prepares for his state funeral, Kenyans—across generations and political divides—are left to grapple with the loss of a leader who, for many, was the very embodiment of their democratic aspirations.