Nairobi was plunged into chaos and mourning on Thursday as Kenyan security forces opened fire with live ammunition on crowds gathering to honour veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, leaving multiple people dead and dozens wounded in a devastating escalation of political tensions.
Bloodshed During Memorial Gathering
Disturbing footage and eyewitness accounts describe scenes of pandemonium in the capital city as uniformed officers fired directly into assemblies of peaceful mourners. The violent crackdown occurred during what had begun as solemn vigils for Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics whose legacy continues to shape the nation's democratic landscape.
Eyewitnesses Describe Unprovoked Attack
"They started shooting without any warning," one witness recounted, their voice trembling with trauma. "People were crying, running in every direction. We were just there to remember Raila, and now we're counting bodies."
Medical personnel at local hospitals confirmed receiving multiple casualties with gunshot wounds, struggling to cope with the influx of injured amid growing anger and grief in the community.
International Condemnation Grows
The brutal incident has sparked immediate international concern, with human rights organisations and foreign governments calling for restraint and accountability. The use of lethal force against civilian mourners represents one of the most severe confrontations in recent Kenyan political history.
Political Fallout and Future Implications
This violent episode threatens to further destabilise Kenya's fragile political environment, raising serious questions about security force protocols and the government's approach to public assembly. As night fell over Nairobi, the mood remained tense with fears that the situation could deteriorate further.
The government has yet to release an official statement addressing the specific allegations of excessive force, while opposition figures are demanding immediate investigations and resignations of senior security officials.
