KISUMU, Kenya – Chaotic scenes unfolded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, on Saturday as tens of thousands of mourners jostled to view the body of the late opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.
By 5 a.m., long before the gates officially opened, crowds had already filled the 30,000-capacity stadium, overwhelming security officers stationed at entry points.
The situation quickly spiralled out of control as mourners broke through barriers in a desperate attempt to access the main viewing area.
Police and military personnel struggled to contain the surging crowd as mourners—many waving twigs, flags, and portraits of the late leader—sang liberation songs and chanted Raila’s name.
What began as a solemn occasion soon turned chaotic. Several people fainted due to suffocation and exhaustion as the crowd pressed toward the tent where Raila’s body lay in state.
Emergency teams from the Kenya Red Cross and St. John Ambulance rushed to rescue the injured, carrying unconscious mourners to safety.
Medical tents set up within the venue were soon overwhelmed as volunteers provided first aid to those in distress.
Despite the confusion, thousands endured the heat and long queues to pay their final respects to a man many described as the “face of Kenya’s democracy.”
Police eventually formed human chains to control movement into the viewing area, while the military worked to maintain order so the procession could continue.
Authorities had earlier urged the public to remain calm and follow security instructions to ensure an orderly process.
Announcements through public address systems reminded mourners to maintain queues and exit promptly after viewing.
According to the official programme, the public viewing in Kisumu was scheduled to end at 3 p.m. before the body was transported to Siaya County for additional ceremonies ahead of burial at his Bondo home.
Despite the brief moments of chaos, the massive turnout underscored the emotional weight of Raila Odinga’s passing and the profound impact he had on Kenya’s political history.
