NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 16 – Chaos broke out outside Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on Thursday as mourners tried to force their way into the compound as they waited for the arrival of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body.
The situation turned chaotic mid-morning when thousands of supporters, who had gathered along Parliament Road, breached the razor-wire barriers along City Hall way.
They attempted to climb over the gates, chanting liberation songs and wailing uncontrollably.
Security officers struggled to contain the surging crowd, as mourners pushed and shoved to get closer to the entrance.
Others were seen pushing the gate in an attempt to break it down and gain access to the parliament precincts.
At one point, several supporters climbed onto the gates and walls of Parliament, waving branches and flags in the air as they demanded to be let in.
It took the intervention of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina to calm the situation.
The leaders pleaded with the crowd to maintain peace and allow everyone a chance to pay their last respects in an orderly manner.
