Kenya: Over Three Killed at Raila Odinga Vigil

By The Inspirer.

NAIROBI, Oct. 15 — At least three people were killed and several others injured on Tuesday as police fired tear gas to disperse crowds during a vigil for Kenya’s late opposition leader, Raila Odinga.

Odinga, a former prime minister and long-time government critic, died on October 15 after suffering cardiac arrest while undergoing eye treatment in India.

Large crowds gathered at his Nairobi home and the headquarters of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party following the announcement of his death.

Earlier on Tuesday, a Kenya Airways flight carrying Odinga’s body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where thousands of mourners had assembled to receive it. Authorities briefly closed the airport after sections of the crowd breached restricted areas.

Plans to take the body to Parliament for public viewing were later shifted to Kasarani Stadium due to the size of the crowd. When the casket arrived, mourners surged toward the field, prompting police to use tear gas to restore order.

Officials said more than three people were killed, and dozens were injured, though the exact number has not been confirmed.

President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning to honor Odinga’s legacy.

A state funeral is scheduled for October 17 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, followed by burial at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 18.

Odinga, who died at 80, was one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures, known for leading the opposition for decades and contesting five presidential elections. He served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 in a coalition government formed after the disputed 2007 election. His political career was defined by his consistent calls for electoral reforms, democracy, and social justice.