Sifuna reaches out to families of three killed in Kasarani chaos

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has confirmed that his office is in touch with families of mourners who died at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums during the state viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, Sifuna described the deaths as tragic and unnecessary, adding that the ODM Party would offer support to the affected families. 

 He emphasized that the victims lost their lives under distressing circumstances, calling for accountability and compassion in handling their cases. 

“My office is in contact with some of the families who lost their loved ones during Baba’s send-off at Kasarani and Nyayo. Those were needless and unfortunate deaths, most of them due to gunshot wounds,” he stated. 

He further assured that efforts were underway to trace all the affected families.

“We have extended our condolences and pledged support in this tragic loss. We hope to have reached all of them by day end today,” Sifuna added. 

His statement followed the results of an autopsy conducted on Tuesday, October 21, which confirmed that at least three people who died during the public viewing succumbed to bullet wounds.  

The findings heightened public outrage over the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. 

The chaos unfolded on Thursday, October 16, when thousands of mourners flocked to Kasarani Stadium to pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister.  

Initially, the public viewing had been planned for Parliament Buildings, but the overwhelming crowd forced the State Funeral Committee to move it to a larger venue. 

However, the turnout at Kasarani exceeded expectations, straining security operations. Video footage shared online showed mourners running for safety amid sounds of gunfire.  

According to police reports, the unrest began when mourners pushed through Gate 5, overwhelming security officers who responded with gunshots and teargas to disperse the crowd. 

A separate tragedy struck Friday during Raila’s State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium, where a stampede occurred as mourners queued to view his body. 

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) confirmed that two people lost their lives in the stampede and that 163 others received treatment at a temporary medical camp, while 34 were referred to hospitals for further care. 

Reports indicated that the stampede started near Gate 5 when redirected queues caused congestion and panic. 

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has also pledged to support the burial arrangements of those who died during the incidents, extending sympathy to the bereaved families.