The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership on Friday met with families of victims who lost their lives during the body viewing of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium.
In a statement, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the party invited the families of the late Vincent Otieno Ogutu, Evan Onyango Kiche, Josfae Jida Burka, and Josephine Akeng’o to Chungwa House to extend condolences and express solidarity with them as they mourned their loved ones.
“We invited the families of the late Vincent Otieno Ogutu, Evan Onyango Kiche, Josfae Jida Burka, and Josephine Akeng’o to Chungwa House today. They were among those killed in the course of mourning Baba at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium. We extended our condolences and support on behalf of the entire ODM family, especially in the search for justice for these needless deaths,” Sifuna stated.
The party assured the bereaved families of its support and promised to pursue justice for the victims, terming the deaths as both tragic and preventable.
Sifuna, in an earlier statement on October 22, pledged to follow up with relevant authorities to ensure accountability over the security lapses that led to the loss of lives during what was meant to be a peaceful national farewell.
Sifuna emphasized that ODM would not relent in seeking justice for the victims, reiterating the party’s call for humane crowd control and accountability in state-led public events.
“Those were needless and unfortunate deaths. We shall stand with the families and ensure those responsible are held accountable,” he added.
The deaths occurred amid chaotic scenes that marred the public viewing of the late Raila Odinga’s body, as thousands of mourners struggled to gain access to the venues.
According to previous reports, at least three people were confirmed dead following stampedes and violent confrontations between mourners and police officers.
An earlier autopsy report revealed that 42-year-old Jidah Burka died from a gunshot wound to the head sustained during the chaos at Kasarani Stadium. The post-mortem confirmed that the bullet entered from the front of his head and exited at the back.
Another victim, 23-year-old Michael Okoth Okumu, was identified after a post-mortem indicated that he died from compression asphyxia with multiple head injuries, likely resulting from a stampede at Nyayo Stadium.
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, who has been following up on the incidents, confirmed Okumu’s identity and the autopsy findings.
“We have done the autopsy and confirmed the cause of death as compression asphyxia with multiple head injuries most likely caused by a stampede,” Khalid said yesterday.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga had also confirmed that about 100 people were injured during the tragic events at both venues, which were meant to allow Kenyans to pay their final respects to the late opposition leader.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is yet to issue an official statement regarding the progress of investigations or whether any officers have been held accountable for the chaos that resulted in the fatalities.
