Police were on Thursday forced to lob tear gas to control an impatient crowd that had surged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where thousands of mourners thronged to view the body of former Prime Minister Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
The mourners had turned up in large numbers to pay their final respects to the veteran opposition leader, whose body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi from India on Thursday morning.
As the crowd pushed forward to access the stadium, confusion, and tension erupted at the entry points.
Thousands of mourners thronged the stadium, creating a disorderly scene that quickly overwhelmed security arrangements.
The police response, firing tear gas canisters, sent people fleeing from the stands and open grounds, temporarily bringing the viewing to a halt.
The body of Odinga had arrived at Kasarani earlier in the day, escorted by a military convoy and family members.
The cortege left JKIA in the morning and made its way through Nairobi’s major roads as thousands of citizens lined the streets, waving flags and singing in memory of Odinga’s decades-long contribution to Kenya’s political history.
The chaotic scenes came after a last-minute change to the original plan, which had scheduled the public viewing at the Parliament Buildings.
The abrupt shift in the programme was announced by the National Steering Committee, citing security and logistical concerns.
Kasarani was selected as a larger and more manageable venue to accommodate the massive crowds expected to attend.
Security officers remain stationed around the stadium and surrounding areas, maintaining guard as authorities work to restore calm and ensure the viewing continues safely.