Understand
Kenyan mourners killed by police at Raila Odinga memorial not involved in violence, BBC Africa Eye finds
Overview
A BBC Africa Eye investigation has found that three mourners killed by Kenyan police during a national farewell for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium were not involved in the violence that sparked the gunfire. Analysis of footage shows the victims were between 60m and 160m away from the scuffles when they were shot. Forensic analysis suggests an elite police unit responsible for presidential protection may have fired the fatal shots. Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority is still investigating the deaths.
Key points
- Three mourners were shot dead by police during a memorial event for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium last October.
- BBC Africa Eye investigation established that the victims—Evans Kiche, Vincent Ogutu, and Jidah Burka—were between 60m and 160m away from the scuffles.
- Footage analysis and forensic evidence suggest that an elite police unit responsible for protecting the president may have fired the fatal shots.
- Kenya's Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described the police action as 'restrained' after crowds threw objects, though BBC analysis found no evidence of stones being thrown.
- Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is still investigating the deaths a year on, with no-one yet held to account.