In brief
During a national farewell in Nairobi on 16 October, three mourners were killed by Kenyan police when they tried to breach the VIP area at Kasarani Stadium. BBC Africa Eye’s analysis places the victims far from the confrontation, suggesting shots were fired by an elite unit. Kenya’s interior minister defends the police response, citing pressure and last‑minute venue changes, but an independent watchdog continues to probe the incident. The tragedy follows the death of former PM Raila Odinga the previous day, sparking nationwide mourning.
Three mourners lost their lives when Kenyan police fired at a crowd attempting to access the VIP area of a national farewell held for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium on 16 October.
The victims – Evans Kiche, 40, a chef, Vincent Ogutu, 36, a father of three, and Jidah Burka, 42 – were positioned between 60 m and 160 m from the strife that erupted at the pavilion. BBC Africa Eye’s footage analysis indicates the shots were likely discharged by an elite police unit assigned to protect the president.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen defended the police action, saying the officers acted under immense pressure and that crowd behaviour, including stone throwing and objects hurled at the VIP area, forced a rapid decision to use live rounds. He emphasised that investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority would determine the appropriateness of the shootings.
Widow Yvonne Akinyi, whose husband was among those killed, expressed deep anguish, saying the event turned her family into orphans and that the question remains: why him in such a crowded stadium? She vowed to be strong but described the pain as a hole in her heart.
Raila Odinga, who was 80 when he died on 15 October during medical treatment in India, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics. The national farewell, originally planned at Parliament, was moved last minute to Kasarani Stadium due to the sheer number of mourners and security concerns, resulting in a tense atmosphere of overcrowded stands and stagnant heat.
Despite the crowd largely remaining calm, footage captured officers firing live rounds as mourners pushed toward the VIP pavilion. The incident has sparked calls for accountability, with the National Police Service acknowledging lessons learned but the Independent Policing Oversight Authority yet to issue a verdict.
The BBC remains monitoring the unfolding investigation into the police shooting and will report any new developments that may illuminate why three ordinary mourners were shot down during a ceremony meant to honour a respected political leader.
