Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has spoken out strongly over the deaths of mourners who lost their lives during the state viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling the incidents heartbreaking and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, Sifuna said his office had already reached out to some of the affected families and that the party was offering both emotional and logistical support as they cope with their loss.
“These were needless deaths, and it pains us that some mourners were killed by gunfire during a farewell meant to celebrate the life of a man who fought for justice and democracy,” Sifuna said. He added that the ODM Party was working closely with relevant agencies to ensure accountability and support for the families.
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday, October 21, confirmed that at least three of the victims died from gunshot wounds, findings that have fueled public anger over the conduct of police officers deployed at the venues.
The first tragedy occurred on Thursday, October 16, at Kasarani Stadium, where thousands of mourners had gathered to view Raila’s body. The viewing, initially planned for Parliament Buildings, was shifted to Kasarani after the crowd size grew beyond expectation. However, chaos broke out when mourners pushed through Gate 5, prompting police to fire in the air and use teargas to disperse them.
Witness videos captured people running in panic as gunfire rang out, with several sustaining injuries in the ensuing stampede.
A day later, a similar tragedy unfolded at Nyayo Stadium during Raila’s State Funeral when a stampede broke out as mourners queued to pay their last respects to the fallen hero. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), two people died while 163 others were treated at a temporary medical camp, with 34 referred to hospitals for further care.
Sifuna assured that ODM would stand by the affected families and continue pushing for justice. “No Kenyan should lose their life while honoring a leader who dedicated his life to the nation’s freedom and unity,” he said.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also pledged to assist with burial arrangements, expressing sympathy to the grieving families and urging compassion during this period of mourning.
