The final public viewing event in the western city of Kisumu has been preceded by deaths and injuries on previous days.
Published On 18 Oct 2025
Dozens of people have been injured at a memorial event in Kenya’s western city of Kisumu as huge crowds gathered to view the body of revered former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, local media reported.
The injuries occurred on Saturday at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium despite authorities deploying military units, police and aerial surveillance to prevent a recurrence of deadly and chaotic incidents that marked earlier memorial proceedings on Thursday and Friday.
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Kenya Red Cross teams treated people who fainted from fatigue and distress, evacuating casualties as crowds surged inside the venue.
Odinga’s body was being transported through Kisumu to his ancestral home in nearby Bondo for burial on Sunday, drawing tens of thousands throughout the region.
The additional precautions were put in place after violence and chaos killed at least five people during memorial proceedings for the 80-year-old opposition leader and statesman, who collapsed during a morning walk in India’s Kerala state on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o praised Raila Odinga for his lifelong dedication Kenyans, noting that thousands had “thronged” Jomo Kenyatta Stadium-Mamboleo to honor him.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo urged restraint as arrangements progressed for transporting Odinga’s body to his ancestral home in Bondo, approximately 60km (40 miles) west of Kisumu, where the latest disruptions had occurred.
“I really entreat members of the public and the community in general to maintain the peace during this period,” Orengo told local media.
Thursday’s initial viewing descended into bloodshed when security forces fired weapons and tear gas into crowds surging towards a pavilion where Odinga’s coffin had been placed, killing at least three people at a Nairobi stadium.
A day later, pani