Kenyan Police Deploy Tear Gas on Thousands at Odinga’s Memorial Gathering
On Thursday, Kenyan police deployed tear gas at a memorial gathering for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in India on Wednesday at the age of 80. The event took place at a football stadium in Nairobi that has a capacity of 60,000. Thousands of mourners had escorted Odinga’s body from the airport, situated 18 miles (29 kilometers) away.
Memorial Gathering Details
The public viewing turned chaotic when mourners attempted to breach the presidential pavilion. This led to police firing tear gas, resulting in a stampede as people rushed to exit the stadium. The exact number of injuries from this incident remains unclear.
Arrival of Odinga’s Body
- Body arrived Thursday morning on a chartered flight.
- Water cannon salute was performed at the airport.
- Mourners walked alongside the military vehicle carrying Odinga’s body, waving twigs.
Beatrice Adala, one of the mourners, expressed the collective sorrow felt across the nation. She referred to Odinga affectionately as “Baba,” a term of endearment in Kiswahili reserved for beloved figures.
Odinga’s Legacy and State Funeral
Raila Odinga’s political career included five presidential campaigns over three decades. Although he never became president, he was widely respected for advocating democracy in Kenya. He narrowly lost the presidency in a contentious 2007 election marked by ethnic violence and later served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
Odinga’s death followed a sudden collapse during a morning walk in India. Attempts to resuscitate him in Kerala were unsuccessful. His family has indicated a wish for a rapid burial, ideally within 72 hours, which is atypical for prominent leaders in the country.
Upcoming Events
- A state funeral is scheduled for Sunday at Odinga’s rural home in Bondo.
- Friday has been declared a public holiday for mourning across Kenya.
- A public viewing will occur on Saturday in Kisumu, near Odinga’s home.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who previously ran against Odinga, expressed his condolences. He recognized Odinga as a “patriot of uncommon courage” and announced seven days of national mourning for the veteran politician.
Despite his political losses, Odinga’s influence on Kenya’s transition to a multiparty democracy remains significant. In 2017, he famously challenged the results of the presidential election, a historic moment as the court annulled those results, a first for Africa. Although he later boycotted the re-vote, Odinga’s impact on the political landscape is enduring.
