Chaos erupted at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, after police fired teargas canisters at mourners who had gathered to view the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, triggering a stampede that left several people injured.
Live coverage seen by Nairobileo.co.ke showed dramatic scenes as the stadium, which had been packed with thousands of mourners, was left nearly empty following the teargas incident.
Voices could be heard commanding "Get Out!" as panicked crowds scrambled for safety.
The incident occurred as police attempted to clear mourners from areas designated for senior dignitaries and government officials who were expected to attend the viewing ceremony.
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Several journalists covering the event were injured during the chaos, with footage showing people lying on the ground with their hands covering their heads while others stepped over them in desperate attempts to escape the teargas.
Police officers were seen forcefully pushing people to leave the stadium as the situation deteriorated rapidly.
Gunfire shots were also heard as security forces worked to disperse the massive crowd.
The use of teargas and the ensuing stampede come just hours after the Kenya Red Cross reported attending to injuries sustained by mourners along Parliament Road and at Cabanas during the procession to Kasarani Stadium.
The viewing at Kasarani had been relocated from Parliament Buildings earlier in the day due to an overwhelming turnout of mourners who gathered to pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister.
"Due to the surging number of mourners, the viewing of the body of HE Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has been moved from Parliament buildings to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani," ODM had announced.
According to Kenya Red Cross, their teams stationed along key routes to Kasarani Stadium and at the venue have been providing first aid and psychosocial support to those affected.
"We have and continue to attend to injuries sustained as crowds gathered along Parliament Road and at Cabanas during the procession of the late former Prime Minister to Kasarani Stadium, in collaboration with E-Plus Ambulances," the humanitarian organization stated.
