NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 16 – Tensions flared outside Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on Thursday as crowds of mourners attempted to force their way into the compound ahead of the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body.
The situation escalated mid-morning when thousands of supporters gathered along Parliament Road overwhelmed the security barriers, breaching razor-wire cordons near City Hall Way.
Chanting liberation songs and overcome with emotion, some mourners tried to scale the gates, while others wept openly and pushed against the perimeter fence in a bid to gain entry.
Security personnel struggled to contain the swelling crowd as the mourners surged forward, with several individuals seen attempting to break down the gate to access the Parliament precincts.
At one point, supporters climbed onto the gates and surrounding walls, waving twigs and flags as they demanded access to the grounds.
Order was eventually restored following the intervention of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who addressed the crowd and appealed for calm.
The leaders urged mourners to remain peaceful and allow the public viewing of Odinga’s body to proceed in an orderly and respectful manner.
