Tragedy Strikes as Kenyan Police Open Fire on Mourners at Raila Odinga Event Leaving Three Dead
A tragic incident unfolded in Kenya as police opened fire on mourners attending a ceremony for the late Raila Odinga. Eyewitness reports indicate that the clash resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The situation escalated at the Nairobi Funeral Home, also known as City Mortuary, where gunshot wounds were confirmed on the bodies that were brought in.
Details of the Incident
Hussein Khalid, the CEO of Vocal Africa, provided insights into the violence. “By the end of the day, our officers witnessed three bodies with gunshot wounds,” he stated. Investigations are ongoing to determine if additional casualties were taken to other morgues.
Police and Government Response
Despite the turmoil, Kenyan dignitaries, including President William Ruto, later attended the ceremony. They paid their respects before a public viewing began. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is overseeing funeral arrangements, conducted a press briefing without mentioning the violence or fatalities.
- State funeral to be held on Friday with full military honors.
- Public viewing expected to last “as long as necessary.”
Mourning the Political Icon
Odinga was a significant figure in Kenyan politics and served as the main opposition leader for many years. Supporters gathered at Lee Funeral Home, displaying grief as they awaited a glimpse of their leader. “We are sad, we have been left as orphans,” one mourning supporter expressed. Others carried branches and palm fronds, symbols of mourning in the Luo community, to which Odinga belonged.
Final Arrangements
Emotions ran high as attendees, including devoted followers, expressed their desire to see Odinga one last time. “We want to see Baba,” stated admirer William Otieno Adoyo. “How do we know it’s him in the casket?”
Odinga’s body is scheduled to be transported to Kisumu, his political stronghold located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Following public viewing, he will be laid to rest at his farm in Bondo, approximately 60km west of Kisumu. The family has expressed a desire for a swift burial, preferably within 72 hours.
Background on Raila Odinga
Raila Odinga, at 80 years old, collapsed during a morning walk in India and was taken to Devamatha Hospital. A seven-day mourning period has been declared in the nation. Odinga was renowned for opposing electoral fraud, having lost five presidential campaigns, the last occurring three years ago.
The recent violence marks a somber moment in Kenya’s history, as the nation collectively mourns a leader who greatly impacted its political landscape.
