According to former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, the chaos witnessed during the state funeral of the late Raila Odinga is a direct result of poor coordination and failed planning by those tasked with organizing the event.
She has been among the few leaders bold enough to speak out, saying that the Odinga family and Kenyans at large have been let down by the very people who were supposed to ensure a smooth and dignified farewell for Baba.
Orwoba’s voice has stood firm and clear, calling out the confusion, disorganization, and lack of empathy that have marred what was meant to be a solemn national moment. Her statement reflects the frustration felt by millions who watched in disbelief as Kasarani Stadium descended into chaos instead of order and respect.
The responsibility for this failure falls squarely on key government officials, including Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, whose coordination team was expected to manage the event efficiently. What unfolded instead was a total collapse of planning.
Kasarani was already filled to capacity, packed with mourners who had arrived hours before the official program began. Still, thousands more tried to get in, leading to stampedes, panic, and clashes with police. Many Kenyans are questioning how State House planners could have imagined fitting such massive crowds in Parliament when even the vast Kasarani Stadium could not hold them.
This shows a serious lack of foresight and connection with the public’s emotions. Raila Odinga, fondly known as Baba, was never an ordinary figure his influence and following run deep across generations. To miscalculate the turnout for such a figure’s funeral is nothing short of negligence.
The situation worsened when police fired live bullets and teargas in attempts to control the swelling crowd. Reports now confirm that two people have died, both shot amid the chaos.
The tragedy has left the nation mourning not only its greatest political figure but also the unnecessary loss of innocent lives due to poor organization.
Families ran for safety, others fainted in the confusion, and the Odinga family watched in anguish as what should have been a peaceful farewell turned into disorder.
The question remains: how difficult would it have been for the government to ensure secure and structured access? With all the available resources, how did it reach this point?
The Enigma, as Raila Odinga was often called, deserved better. His journey was defined by sacrifice, unity, and resilience, yet his farewell has been marred by failure and confusion.
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