Kenya Police Fire Shots as Crowds Gather for Raila Odinga’s Final Farewell
On the morning of October 16, 2025, a quiet sorrow settled over Nairobi as thousands of Kenyans gathered to honor Raila Odinga, the towering figure who had shaped the nation’s politics for decades. His body, flown back from India, where he passed away just days earlier, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. What followed next was a scene that none of those gathered would ever forget.
Mourners, eager to pay their respects, flocked to the airport. The sheer size of the crowd caused chaos, leading authorities to momentarily suspend flights as they tried to control the surging masses. But the real turmoil unfolded just hours later when the public viewing of Odinga’s body was set to begin at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
As the convoy carrying Odinga’s remains arrived at the stadium, the place was packed beyond capacity. What was meant to be a peaceful and respectful viewing quickly spiraled out of control when a large group of mourners breached a security gate. In an instant, police fired tear gas and gunshots into the crowd in an attempt to restore order. Screams filled the air as people fled in every direction, desperate to escape the chaos.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that four lives were tragically lost in the violence. Meanwhile, several others, including three visibly injured and one with a serious head wound, were caught in the stampede. As one BBC reporter described, even plainclothes officers were seen beating protesters with batons in the frenzy.
Despite the heartbreaking chaos, the body of Raila Odinga was eventually brought out for the public to see. His supporters, many of whom had been waiting since the early morning hours, showed their unwavering devotion. They wanted to see ‘Baba’ one last time, to confirm that the man they had followed for decades was truly gone.
“I came here at six in the morning,” one mourner said, tears streaming down their face. “We have been waiting at the airport to welcome Baba back home. We are lost without him, he was our father.”
As emotions calmed later in the evening, dignitaries and government officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto, were finally able to pay their respects. But for many of the mourners, the grief was too much to bear. They weren’t just mourning the loss of a politician; they were mourning the loss of a symbol of hope, justice, and change.
Odinga’s funeral will take place at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, followed by a procession to Kisumu, his political stronghold. His body will be laid to rest in Bondo, his ancestral home, on Sunday. It was Odinga’s final wish to be buried quickly, within 72 hours, and the nation is honoring that wish.
Odinga, who had contested five presidential elections and was a relentless advocate for electoral justice, leaves behind a legacy of courage and resilience. While his passing marks the end of an era, the void he leaves will be felt for years to come.
The chaotic farewell to Raila Odinga is a testament to his impact on Kenya and its people. His life and legacy are woven into the fabric of the nation’s struggle for democracy and justice.
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