VOCAL Africa confirms 3 died during Kasarani viewing of Raila’s body
Voices of community activists and leaders Africa (VOCAL Africa) has confirmed that a total of three Kenyans lost their lives during the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Kasarani Stadium.
In a statement shared on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the organisation said the bodies had been received at the city mortuary.
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It added that it was closely following up to determine whether more bodies had been taken to other medical facilities.
“VOCAL Africa confirms that three bodies from Kasarani have been received this evening at City Mortuary. We are closely following up whether more bodies may have been taken to other facilities,” VOCAL wrote on Facebook.
The tragic confirmation comes after a day of unprecedented crowds and tension at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Thousands of Kenyans had converged at the stadium to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, whose body had been repatriated from India earlier that morning following his death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, due to a cardiac arrest.
The public viewing had originally been scheduled to take place at Parliament Buildings.
However, officials relocated it to Kasarani Stadium in a bid to accommodate the overwhelming number of mourners.
Also watch: Overwhelming crowd at JKIA forces military to abandon Raila’s reception plans
By early afternoon, the venue, which has a capacity of 60,000, was rapidly filling, prompting fears of overcrowding even before the funeral procession arrived.
As mourners poured into the stadium from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and surrounding roads, police struggled to maintain order.
Confusion and pushing erupted at the gates, forcing officers to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people ran to escape the fumes, while others struggled to secure a spot inside the stadium.
Watch: Tension at Kasarani as police fire tear gas to control crowds before Raila’s body viewing
Videos circulating on social media captured chaotic scenes as mourners sprawled on the ground while gunshots rang out and thick plumes of white tear gas billowed from the VIP dais, where a sudden commotion had erupted.
Despite the unrest, several dignitaries and family members were able to pay their respects.
President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined Mama Ida Odinga, Raila Junior, and Rosemary Odinga in a solemn tribute.
Cabinet secretaries and senior ODM members, including Junet Mohammed, Babu Owino, and Jalang’o, were also present, alongside former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Security measures remained in place as the public viewing extended into the evening, allowing hundreds of mourners outside the stadium to observe proceedings.
Authorities continued to urge the public to cooperate with security personnel to ensure safety and order during the event.
The late Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with a four-day state funeral programme that includes multiple public viewings, tributes, and ceremonial events reflecting the enormous influence and legacy of the veteran politician.
Watch: Funeral Programme for the late Raila Amollo Odinga
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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