Gunfire was heard at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium during a live broadcast by the Kenyan presidency as thousands gathered for the public viewing of former opposition leader Raila Odinga’s body. The live YouTube feed captured chaotic scenes of mourners surging toward the gates before the sound of gunshots disrupted the broadcast, as reported by Reuters.
The violence broke out when security forces fired warning shots to disperse crowds that attempted to force entry into the packed stadium. According to AP News, at least two people were killed after police opened fire, while several others sustained injuries as tear gas was deployed to restore order.
Witnesses said panic quickly spread through the stadium, with mourners running for safety as police tightened security around the venue. The presidency has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, though government sources confirmed that security agencies are reviewing the events leading up to the gunfire.
The deadly confrontation has cast a shadow over Kenya’s national mourning period, raising concerns about crowd control and public safety at major state functions. Odinga’s state funeral is expected to draw even larger crowds, prompting calls for heightened security and better coordination among law enforcement agencies.
