Police fire tear gas as thousands in Kenya mourn opposition leader Odinga in Nairobi stadium

​​​​​​​By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenyan police fired shots into the air Thursday and used tear gas to disperse thousands of mourners during a public viewing for the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after it arrived from India.

The sound of gunfire was also captured on the Kenyan presidency’s live broadcast on X and YouTube as crowds surged toward the viewing area at the Kasarani Stadium outside of Nairobi.

Authorities said the crowd had overwhelmed security barriers as emotions ran high because of the death of the veteran opposition leader, who died Wednesday in Kerala, India, following a cardiac arrest during treatment at an Ayurvedic hospital.
Thousands of mourners stormed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) earlier to witness the arrival of Odinga’s body.

Many climbed the boarding stairs and into stationary planes, including the cockpit, to catch a glimpse of the Kenya Airways aircraft that ferried the remains.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) temporarily suspended flights as crowds overwhelmed the runway and terminal areas.

Thousands of mourners lined major highways, waving branches and twigs, a symbolic act of mourning in Odinga’s Luo community from western Kenya, where the gesture represents unity and collective grief, as his convoy made its slow journey from the airport to the capital.

Authorities have declared Friday a public holiday in Odinga’s honor, with plans for a state funeral at Nyayo Stadium and nationwide memorial events.

Flags will remain at half-mast across Kenya and diplomatic missions, and the government said public viewings will continue in several counties in the coming days.

Police have increased patrols around Nairobi as thousands continue to gather at public venues, with mourners lighting candles and singing liberation songs that marked Odinga’s decades-long fight for democracy.

The government has urged calm as preparations for the state funeral continue.