A tragic turn of events marred what was supposed to be a solemn occasion as two people were shot dead and police deployed teargas to disperse an unruly crowd at Kasarani Stadium, where the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had been relocated.
The public homage had originally been set for Parliament, but swelling crowds overwhelmed security and forced the move to the stadium.
By midday, thousands of mourners, many draped in party colors and clutching portraits, converged on Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, yearning for a last glimpse of the iconic opposition leader.
But tensions quickly escalated. Some mourners attempted to force their way toward the VIP section, hurling chairs and stones.
Police responded by firing warning shots into the air and lobbing teargas canisters to stem the surge, triggering panic and mass flight in all directions.
Amid the turmoil, gunfire was heard later confirmed to have claimed two lives.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victims or the precise source of the fatal shots, although witnesses described chaos and confusion in the stadium grounds.
Simultaneously, tear gas clouds engulfed sections of the stands. Many mourners coughed and clutched their faces; some fell, others scrambled to safety.
Security officers were seen pushing people out of restricted areas while trying to restore order.
The incident comes as the nation mourns a towering political figure.
President William Ruto had declared seven days of national mourning in honor of Odinga, praising him as a unifier and champion of democracy.
Questions swirl over crowd management, use of force, and how such violence could accompany what should have been a dignified farewell.
Kenyans await explanations and accountability for the loss of life during this tragic episode.
