The government has confirmed that close to 100 people sustained injuries during the chaos at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday, October 16, 2025, where thousands had gathered for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Speaking after Raila’s requiem mass on Friday, October 17, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, said all the injured individuals received medical attention, even as reports emerged that several people had lost their lives during the unrest.
“We would like to request Kenyans to keep calm and maintain order. We are all mourning; let us maintain peace,” Oluga appealed. “Yesterday, there was chaos at Kasarani, and people got injured. Approximately 100 people received treatment. Please, we do not want people to get injured again.”
The PS urged mourners to remain peaceful ahead of Raila’s burial on Sunday, October 19, assuring that the government has put adequate medical and emergency response systems in place.
Chaos at Kasarani
Tension erupted during the body viewing after police fired tear gas to control a massive crowd that had overwhelmed security personnel at the gates. Video footage widely circulated online showed mourners fleeing in panic as tear gas filled the air, forcing the event to a temporary halt.
Witnesses reported that the disturbance began when sections of the crowd started throwing stones, prompting officers to respond with force. Additional clips appeared to show uniformed personnel using batons to disperse people attempting to enter the stadium.
The event had been moved from the Parliament Buildings to Kasarani Stadium due to space and logistical constraints. Although the viewing was scheduled to start at midday, the late Prime Minister’s body reportedly remained at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for over two hours, fueling frustration among attendees.
Confirmed Deaths
In a statement, Voices of Community Activists and Leaders Africa (VOCAL Africa) reported that three people had died during the incident.
“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,” the organization wrote on Facebook.
The tragic events have cast a somber tone over the ongoing national mourning period, with authorities calling for restraint and respect as the nation prepares to lay Raila Odinga a towering figure in Kenya’s democracy to rest.
