Teargas at Kasarani Stadium as crowds overpower police in Raila’s body viewing
By Joel Masibo, October 16, 2025Police authorities were forced to lob teargas canisters at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday afternoon, during the body viewing of the late and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The viewing was initially scheduled to happen at the Parliament Buildings, but due to the surging crowds, the government announced that the activity would take place at Kasarani Stadium due to the surging crowds in the Nairobi Central Business District.
However, the security providers were seemingly overpowered by thousands of mourners who had gathered in their numbers at the sports facility, breaching protocol and making it hard for the smooth operation involving the entire process shortly after Raila Odinga’s body had arrived for viewing.
As the crowds failed to heed the instructions from authorities to observe order, the police were forced to act by forcefully ejecting Raila’s supporters from the stadium by lobbing teargas canisters at them, prompting a visible stampede.
Viewing moved to Kasarani
In a public statement released by the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), on Thursday morning, the state officials urged members of the public to proceed directly to Kasarani Stadium to pay their respects. The decision follows reports of large crowds attempting to enter Parliament Buildings, which posed challenges for security personnel.
The veteran politician passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Kochi, India, following a cardiac arrest. Odinga, aged 80, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister and was widely respected for his role in promoting political dialogue and national unity.
“The Government wishes to inform members of the public of a change in venue for the public viewing of the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the UDA statement read.
“The viewing will now be held at Kasarani Stadium and not at Parliament Buildings as earlier announced. Members of the public are therefore advised to proceed to Kasarani Stadium for the viewing.” It added.
Raila Odinga’s body’s arrival paralysed normal activities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as members of the public and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters gathered at the airport to pay last respects to the country’s most influential political figure.
The crowd then accompanied Odinga’s body from the airport through Mombasa Road and Thika Super Highway to Kasarani Stadium for public viewing. Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Bondo home in Siaya County.