Mourners injured as chaotic scenes erupt at Mamboleo Stadium

Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, as thousands of mourners pushed and shoved to view the body of the late veteran opposition leader, Raila Amollo Odinga.

The massive crowd, which began streaming into the 30,000-capacity stadium as early as 5 a.m., quickly overwhelmed the security personnel deployed to manage the situation.

Despite efforts by police and military officers to control entry, the surging crowds broke through several barriers in their rush to access the main viewing area.

The mourners, many waving twigs, flags, and portraits of the late leader, sang songs of liberation and praise as they forced their way forward.

The atmosphere, initially solemn, turned chaotic as the crowd pressed toward the tent where Raila’s body lay in state.

In the commotion, several mourners fainted from exhaustion and suffocation. Emergency response teams from the Kenya Red Cross and St. John Ambulance were forced to intervene, carrying the weak and unconscious to safety.

Medical tents set up within the stadium were overwhelmed as volunteers and medics rushed to provide first aid.

Police officers struggled to restore order, forming human chains to control the flow of people into the inner section of the stadium.

Military personnel also joined in efforts to manage the swelling crowd, ensuring that the public viewing could continue.

Despite the confusion, thousands of mourners braved the heat and congestion, standing patiently in long queues to pay their last respects.

Many were seen in tears, waving small branches and chanting Raila’s name as they inched closer to the flag-draped casket.

The public viewing formed part of the national mourning events planned in honour of the late former Prime Minister, whose decades-long political career and advocacy for democracy left a lasting imprint on the country.

Authorities had earlier urged mourners to remain calm and orderly to allow everyone a chance to participate in the exercise. Security officers continued to make announcements through public address systems, directing the crowd to maintain queues and exit immediately after viewing the body.

According to the official programme, the public viewing was scheduled to continue until 3 p.m. before the body was transported to Siaya County for subsequent ceremonies ahead of burial in his Bondo home.

Despite the challenges, the massive turnout in Kisumu reflected the depth of emotion and respect felt by Kenyans from across the country as they gathered to bid farewell to a man many considered the face of Kenya’s long struggle for democracy.