Panic broke out in Nairobi on Thursday after security forces fired on mourners gathered to view the body of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died in India on Wednesday.

At least three people were injured when police opened fire to control surging crowds at Kasarani Stadium, where Odinga’s coffin had been taken for public viewing. Journalists at the scene reported seeing one person lying motionless with blood streaming from his head.

Tens of thousands of supporters had earlier filled the streets of Nairobi to receive the body of Odinga, 80, whose death at a health clinic in southern India triggered an outpouring of grief across Kenya.

Known affectionately as “Baba,” Odinga was widely regarded as a central figure in Kenya’s push for democratic reform. Though he made five unsuccessful presidential bids, he remained one of the country’s most influential political voices.

Crowds had gathered from early morning at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the body arrived from India, prompting the temporary suspension of some flights due to the large turnout. The coffin was initially scheduled to be taken to parliament, but authorities redirected it to Kasarani Stadium after supporters overwhelmed the gates.

Witnesses said the atmosphere turned chaotic when security forces fired teargas and live rounds as mourners jostled to view the body. AFP footage showed officers beating people with sticks as they tried to flee the stands.

“Why would police use teargas and ammunition to disperse mourners?” presidential candidate Martha Karua wrote on X, sharing a video of the panic.

President William Ruto arrived shortly after the incident, accompanied by Odinga’s family and senior officials, to pay their respects in a side room of the stadium. Calm was later restored, and mourners gradually returned to the venue to view the body.

Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning, with a state funeral scheduled in Nairobi on Friday. Odinga will be buried on Sunday in Bondo, his ancestral home in western Kenya, where thousands have also gathered to pay tribute.

“Baba, we knew that you were the only person who was going to take us to Canaan (the promised land),” said Michael Omondi, a youth leader from Odinga’s party who was at the airport to receive the body.

Born on January 7, 1945, to a future vice president, Odinga spent much of his early political life in prison or exile during the autocratic rule of Daniel arap Moi. He served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 but never fulfilled his ambition of becoming president.

His death leaves a major gap in Kenya’s opposition leadership as the country prepares for a pivotal election in 2027.