Autopsies conducted on the bodies of four people who died at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums during the public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body have revealed that three of the victims succumbed to gunshot injuries, while one died of asphyxia – meaning the body was deprived of oxygen.
According to government pathologist Dr. Benard Midia, two of the victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head, the third was shot in the chest, and the fourth died due to asphyxia — a condition caused by a lack of oxygen.
“Two of them had penetrating gunshot wounds to the head, resulting in severe brain damage. The third victim had a penetrating gunshot wound through the chest and abdomen, injuring both chest and abdominal organs,” Dr. Midia said.
The victims were identified as Vincent Ogutu, Evans Onyango, Josphiah Burka, and Josephine Akeng’o. Three of the deaths occurred at Kasarani Stadium, while one was reported at Nyayo Stadium.
Hussein Khalid, a lawyer and CEO of Vocal Africa, accused police of using excessive force to control mourners who had gathered in large numbers.
“This crowd could have been controlled in many ways. Unfortunately, the authorities decided to use lethal force, and today, Evans and Vincent are no more,” Khalid said.
Families of the victims are calling for justice and have urged the government to hold those responsible accountable. Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged to assist the families with legal support should the government fail to act.
“Baba has been buried, and now there’s no one to stand with them. If the Law Society of Kenya will not take action, I will hire lawyers to represent these families,” said Sonko.
The families have submitted bullet fragments recovered from the victims’ bodies to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to aid in identifying the firearms used. IPOA has been requested to launch a full investigation into the incident.
– Timon Otieno
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