The government has confirmed that approximately 100 people received medical treatment after sustaining injuries during chaotic scenes at the body viewing exercise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Speaking on Thursday, October 16, during the state funeral at Nyayo stadium, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga noted that despite the disorder, all injured individuals were attended to by emergency medical teams on site.
This comes amid unconfirmed reports that four people may have died during the stampede.
Dr. Oluga urged Kenyans to remain calm and orderly as the nation prepares for Raila’s burial on Sunday, assuring the public that the government has put comprehensive measures in place to manage crowds and respond to any medical emergencies.
“We would like to request Kenyans to keep calm and maintain order. We are all mourning; we should maintain peace,” he said.
“Let us not be aggressive in our efforts. Yesterday, there was chaos at Kasarani, and people got injured. Approximately 100 people received treatment. Please, we do not want people to get injured again,” Oluga added.
Chaos on Thursday afternoon erupted at Kasarani stadium when thousands of supporters of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga attempted to forcefully access the VIP staging area where his body was being held for public viewing.
The crowd seemingly got impatient and tired of waiting, and thereafter started hurling chairs and stones at the security guards who were manning the said area.
The ensuing melee, which occurred a few minutes past 3pm, forced police officers to fire in the air and lob teargas canisters at the thousands of people who had gathered at the stadium.
This forced the crowd to scatter out of the stadium. At least two people were seen seriously injured and receiving first aid from officers of the National Youth Service (NYS).
