Kenya on Friday held a state funeral in Nairobi for Raila Odinga, the revered opposition leader and democracy icon, a day after security forces opened fire on massive crowds mourning his death, leaving at least three people dead.
Odinga, aged 80, died on Wednesday from a suspected heart attack at a health facility in southern India, sparking an unprecedented wave of grief across the country.
Fondly known as “Baba” (father), Odinga was widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Kenya’s post-independence history. Though he never achieved his long-held dream of becoming president despite five attempts, he served as prime minister between 2008 and 2013 and was instrumental in the return to multi-party democracy in the 1990s. He is also credited with championing Kenya’s 2010 constitution, celebrated for its progressive reforms.
On Thursday, chaos erupted at Kasarani Stadium when Odinga’s body, repatriated from India earlier that day, was brought for public viewing. As huge crowds tried to force their way through the gates, security forces reportedly opened fire, causing panic and tragedy.
Human rights group VOCAL Africa confirmed that at least three bodies from the incident had been received at City Mortuary in Nairobi, describing the use of live ammunition against mourners as “deeply alarming.”
Friday’s solemn funeral ceremony at Nyayo Stadium was attended by President William Ruto, Odinga’s family, senior government officials, and regional leaders, including Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Following the state funeral, Odinga’s body is expected to be transported to his ancestral home in western Kenya on Saturday, where thousands more mourners are anticipated to pay their final respects. A private burial will be held on Sunday.
Odinga’s death leaves a significant leadership void within Kenya’s opposition ranks, with no clear successor emerging as the nation looks ahead to a potentially tense 2027 general election.
