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Three mourners killed when police opened fire during a national farewell for former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga were not involved in the confrontation that preceded the shooting, a “BBC” Africa Eye investigation has found.
The shooting took place at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on 16 October 2025, where thousands had gathered to pay their respects to Odinga. Analysis of more than 1,500 images and videos indicates that the victims were between at least 60 and 160 metres from the scuffles near the VIP pavilion.
A small section of the crowd began throwing objects, including plastic chairs, at officers guarding the pavilion after mourners had waited for hours in 30C heat. Police fired live rounds as some people pushed towards the VIP area, while footage from other parts of the stadium showed the crowd largely remaining peaceful.
Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen told the “BBC” that officers had acted with restraint after the crowd started throwing stones. The investigation said footage showed objects being thrown but found no evidence that they included stones.
Victims were far from the VIP pavilion
One of those killed was Evans Kiche, a 40-year-old chef and father of seven. The investigation placed him about 60 metres from the confrontation; he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Vincent Ogutu and 42-year-old Jidah Burka were in the opposite stands, at least 160 metres from the pavilion. Autopsy reports said Ogutu died from a gunshot wound to the chest and Burka from a shot to the head.
Forensic analysis identified at least eight officers moving together in tactical clothing and camouflage, carrying assault rifles and with their faces covered. Their clothing and movements were consistent with a security detail assigned to protect President William Ruto and other VIPs, the investigation said. At least three officers appeared to fire their weapons.
The “BBC” identified three of the officers as members of an elite unit responsible for presidential protection. It could not determine which bullets killed each victim or rule out that other officers had fired inside the stadium.
Police watchdog investigation continues
Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority is investigating the deaths and the police response. A year after the shooting, no one has been held accountable. The authority did not respond to a request for comment.
Murkomen said officers had been under significant pressure after working for many hours without a break and had been sent to a new venue at short notice. He said the independent investigation would help the government take appropriate legal action, and described the shooting as a police officer’s judgment made in the moment.
Kenya’s National Police Service told the “BBC” that the events had provided “huge lessons” and a “fundamental learning curve” for more professional policing in the future.
Ogutu’s wife, Yvonne Akinyi, said her husband had not planned to attend the farewell. He was in central Nairobi with friends on the morning of 16 October when they saw crowds heading to the stadium and decided to join them.
Akinyi said her family had been devastated by his death. As she prepared to mark a year since he was killed, she said she still did not understand why he had died while attending a government-organised event.
Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential political figures and its longest-serving opposition leader, died aged 80 while receiving medical treatment in India. His body was flown home the following day, drawing thousands of mourners to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
His body was initially due to lie in state at parliament, but officials changed the venue to Kasarani Stadium at short notice amid the crowds and concerns about a security breach. Authorities said they had little time to secure the 48,000-capacity stadium, where thousands entered the pitch and stands.
