Party Leadership Meets Bereaved Families

NAIROBI – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership met with the families of at least four people who lost their lives in chaotic events during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body, the party confirmed on Friday, 24 October 2025. In a statement issued from its Chungwa House headquarters, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna announced the party had hosted the families to offer condolences and pledge unwavering support in their pursuit of justice.

“We invited the families of the late Vincent Otieno Ogutu, Evan Onyango Kiche, Josfae Jida Burka, and Josephine Akeng’o to Chungwa House today,” Sifuna stated. “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.”

The meeting, held just days after Odinga was laid to rest, underscores the political and social fallout from the tragedies that marred the national mourning period. The party has termed the deaths “tragic and preventable” and committed to ensuring those responsible for the security lapses are held accountable.

A Nation Mourns, Marred by Tragedy

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over three decades, passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. Multiple international and local reports confirmed he suffered a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India. His death prompted an outpouring of national grief, with President William Ruto declaring a seven-day period of mourning and promising a state funeral for his long-time political rival, whom he described as a “giant of democracy.”

However, the events organized for public viewing of the body descended into chaos. Thousands of mourners overwhelmed security forces at both the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium. Reports from the scenes described stampedes and violent confrontations as police struggled to control the immense crowds. At least six fatalities have been confirmed across the two venues, with scores more injured. Doctors Without Borders, operating a field hospital at Nyayo Stadium, reported attending to 163 patients and confirming two deaths from a stampede on Friday, 17 October 2025.

Calls for Accountability and Justice

Autopsy reports have revealed harrowing details about the deaths. A post-mortem on 42-year-old Jidah Burka confirmed he died from a gunshot wound to the head during the chaos at Kasarani. Another victim, 23-year-old Michael Okoth Okumu, died from compression asphyxia and multiple head injuries consistent with being trampled in a stampede at Nyayo Stadium. His family, who had been searching for him for five days, identified his body at the City Mortuary.

Human rights organizations and the victims' families are now demanding a thorough investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into the conduct of the security officers managing the events. ODM has publicly pledged to follow up with the relevant authorities to ensure accountability for the security failures. “Those were needless and unfortunate deaths. We shall stand with the families and ensure those responsible are held accountable,” Sifuna reiterated in a statement on 22 October.

ODM Navigates a Post-Raila Future

The tragedy surrounding the memorials comes as ODM confronts a profound leadership vacuum following its founder's death. The party is moving quickly to manage the transition. On Friday, 24 October 2025, ODM delegates from the four Nyanza counties of Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay officially endorsed Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, to succeed him as party leader. The endorsement is seen as a move to ensure continuity and preserve the Odinga family's central role in the party's structure. An urgent meeting of the ODM Central Committee has been scheduled to formalize the party's new leadership and chart its political future in a post-Raila era.

For Kenya, the focus remains on the legacy of a leader who shaped its democratic journey and the pressing need for justice for the supporters who died while paying their final respects.