National Funeral Planning Committee Co-chair and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has apologised to Kenyans over the chaos that erupted at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday, October 16.
The incident occurred when police lobbed teargas at mourners who had gathered to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The ensuing commotion left two people dead and several others nursing injuries.
Addressing the press on Friday, Oburu expressed regret over the incident and urged both Kenyans and security officers to maintain calm and order during the mourning period.
He said the former Prime Minister had “been teargassed enough” in his lifetime and should not be subjected to the same treatment in death.
“I would like to express my disappointment. Yesterday, there was some teargas thrown around. I don’t like teargas. Raila has been teargassed enough when he was alive and should not be teargassed in death,” he said.
“Let us not cause a situation where he is teargassed again when we are escorting him; let us behave in a way that does not give any reason to use teargas and force against Kenyans who have come to mourn; they should be allowed to mourn peacefully.”
The Siaya Senator called on the Nyanza residents to embrace peace, not to overdo their mourning, but to escort his brother peacefully.
He thanked President William Ruto for granting the former Prime Minister a state funeral and for celebrating a statesman, as he was.
Oburu further thanked the members of the planning committee for working tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of the programme.
“I want to thank President William Ruto for taking the matter personally and for what he has done to give my late brother the honours he deserves,” he said.
The confrontation escalated just minutes after police lobbed teargas into the crowd, triggering panic and confusion.
Despite the heavy police presence and use of force, mourners continued to throng the stadium grounds, determined to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The body of the late leader arrived at the venue shortly after the fracas began, intensifying emotions among the gathered supporters.
Scenes of chaos unfolded as crowds scattered across the stadium, some choking from the teargas, others running for safety.
The atmosphere remained tense, with mourners expressing frustration over the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement.
By noon, mourners had begun streaming into the stadium, many waving twigs, symbols of grief rooted in Luo tradition.
Supporters sang liberation songs and chanted Raila’s name, transforming Kasarani into a sea of voices and green.
Shortly before 3 pm, the body of Raila arrived at the stadium under heavy escort.
Security presence remained high into the night, with officers stationed around the stadium and major roads.
