He Went To Kasarani To View Raila’s Coffin, Came Back In A Coffin

By Robai Ludenyi

The family of 23-year-old Michael Okoth Okumu from Kibera is in deep mourning after his body was identified among those who died during the stampede at Kasarani Stadium. The tragedy occurred as thousands of Kenyans gathered to pay their last respects to the late Raila Odinga.

According to a postmortem report, Michael lost his life due to a lack of oxygen and suffered several injuries to the head. His family says they spent five long days thinking he was at work at his carpentry job in Kibera, unaware that their son had died during the chaos. Worried about his absence, Michael’s mother asked one of his brothers to look for him. The search led them to the City Mortuary, where they found his body. It was a heartbreaking moment for the family, who described Michael as a hardworking and responsible young man.

His brother shared that Michael had been the one taking care of their sick mother and often talked about building a better home for the family in Alego, Siaya County. He had big dreams for the future, but those dreams were cut short. The family believes that the authorities should take full responsibility for the loss of innocent lives. Human rights activists and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko visited the family to offer comfort and support. Sonko also promised to cover all funeral expenses for the young man.

Activists have accused leaders of turning a blind eye to the families who lost their loved ones during the tragic event. They said that while many politicians gave emotional speeches during Raila Odinga’s funeral, few have come forward to seek justice for the victims. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is now under pressure to investigate claims that police officers mishandled the crowd, leading to unnecessary deaths and injuries.

Michael’s body will be taken to his rural home in Alego, Siaya County, where he will be laid to rest. His family and friends say they will remember him as a kind, ambitious young man whose life was full of promise but ended too soon.

As the nation continues to mourn, many Kenyans are calling for accountability to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

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The author is Robai Ludenyi. Journalist and Media Innovator