Police were on Thursday forced to hurl teargas canisters to disperse an impatient crowd that had gathered at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as thousands of mourners turned up to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The body, which arrived in the country from India earlier in the day, drew massive crowds both at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and along major Nairobi highways leading to Kasarani.
The public viewing had initially been scheduled to take place at the Parliament Buildings, but the venue was changed after the number of mourners grew beyond the capacity of the city centre.
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale announced the change in plans, saying:
“Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of H.E. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament Buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Members of the public are advised to proceed to Kasarani where they shall have enough space and time to view the body.”
Following the announcement, large crowds that had been camping around Parliament and city streets redirected to Kasarani, causing heavy traffic and congestion along Thika Road.
Security officers were quickly overwhelmed as emotional supporters attempted to force their way into the stadium, prompting police to fire teargas in an effort to restore order.
Several high-profile leaders, including Cabinet Secretaries, governors, and Members of Parliament, had already arrived at Kasarani awaiting the arrival of the cortege from JKIA. President William Ruto is also expected to participate in the viewing ceremony.
Earlier plans to take Raila’s body to Lee Funeral Home before the public viewing were abandoned amid fears of escalating crowd trouble and logistical challenges.
