The family of 23-year-old Michael Okoth Okumu has confirmed him as one of the victims who died in the stampede that occurred during the public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body at Nyayo Stadium.
The tragedy, which unfolded as thousands turned up to pay their last respects, has now claimed at least three lives.
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid announced the identification on Thursday, October 23, noting that Okumu’s relatives last saw him a week earlier. “As we continue to follow up on the lives lost during Baba’s funeral, we have today identified the second victim of Nyayo Stadium as 23-year-old Michael Okoth Okumu. The family has confirmed that the last time they saw him was Thursday last week,” Khalid said.
A post-mortem revealed that Okumu died of compression asphyxia coupled with multiple head injuries sustained during the chaos.
“We have done the autopsy and confirmed the cause of death as compression asphyxia with multiple head injuries most likely caused by a stampede,” Hussein stated.
Okumu, a resident of Kibra, will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Alego Usonga, Siaya County. Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said his Rescue Team has catered for all funeral-related costs including mortuary, post-mortem, coffin, and transportation.
“I am also aware that the ODM Party, through their able secretary-general, also Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, pledged to support the families as well. We appreciate this commendable gesture,” Sonko said.
He added that many of the deceased were family breadwinners and called for more lasting interventions to support those affected.
Okumu’s death adds to the growing list of casualties linked to the chaotic moments at both Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums last Thursday.
Earlier, an autopsy on another victim, 42-year-old Jidah Burka, confirmed she died from a gunshot wound to the head after the violence at Kasarani.
“The autopsy on the body of Jidah Burka, who was shot and killed at Kasarani Stadium, has been done. The cause of death is a single headshot. The bullet went in on the front of the head and exited at the back,” Hussein said.
Burka’s burial is set for Tuesday at Kariakor Muslim Cemetery, with expenses also covered by the Sonko Rescue Team.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said his office has been working closely with the affected families to offer both emotional and financial support. “Those were needless and unfortunate deaths, most of them due to gunshot wounds. We have extended our condolences and pledged support in this tragic loss,” he said.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga confirmed that around 100 people sustained injuries of varying degrees when the crowd clashed with police officers at both Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is yet to release any findings or name officers suspected to have been involved in the incidents.
