Today in History: When Raila Odinga and His Supporters Were Teargassed Upon His Return from the US

On Friday, November 17, 2017, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his supporters were teargassed shortly after his entourage exited Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following his return from a 10-day tour of the United States.

At the time, the country was experiencing political tensions after the disputed 2017 General Election. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice David Maraga, had nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory and ordered a repeat election.

Raila, then the leader of the National Super Alliance (NASA), boycotted the fresh poll, arguing that the conditions for a free, fair, and credible election had not been met.

Ahead of his arrival, then–Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet warned NASA principals against mobilizing large crowds to march to JKIA.

Police Warn Supporters of Raila Against Marching to JKIA

In a statement issued through police spokesman George Kinoti, he stressed that the airport was a protected area accessible only to bona fide travelers and those with legitimate business.

“The attention of the police has been drawn to reports that some politicians are mobilising crowds to march to JKIA to receive Hon. Raila Odinga. JKIA is a protected area, hence access is open to bona fide travelers and all others with legitimate business at the airport who must at all times be subjected to the standard security procedures,” the statement read.

He added that people without valid reasons to access the airport would be denied entry, warning that mobilizing huge crowds to JKIA would jeopardize the safety of air operators, passengers, and other airport users.

Despite the warning, NASA leaders insisted Raila would be welcomed with a grand procession from JKIA to Uhuru Park, where a political rally had been organized.

“We will walk in millions to JKIA to welcome Raila and march to Uhuru Park for a major rally,” said former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama.

“Let us welcome Raila with more numbers than those who voted for Uhuru,” added Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga.

By the time Raila’s flight touched down at around 11:30 a.m., chaos had already erupted. From the early morning hours, thousands of supporters had gathered on Mombasa Road, Outer Ring Road, and other routes leading to the airport, chanting slogans, waving flags, and singing songs of defiance.

Police Block Supporters of NASA Leader from Accessing JKIA

Police were heavily deployed along the highways and around JKIA, setting up barricades and blocking key routes. When Raila’s supporters tried to push forward, they were dispersed with teargas, water cannons, and, according to some reports, live bullets. The clashes led to running battles that disrupted transport and filled the day with chaos and violence.

Inside the airport, Raila was received by close allies. However, instead of leading the highly anticipated procession, he was discreetly escorted out through a back exit by state security officers, away from the waiting masses. His convoy later linked up with sections of supporters along Jogoo Road, but the journey was heavily monitored and disrupted by security forces.

Meanwhile, Uhuru Park, the planned rally venue, had been cordoned off by police.

Opposition supporters who attempted to gather there were violently dispersed, collapsing NASA’s plans for Raila’s triumphant rally.

In the aftermath, Raila accused President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government of dictatorship and police brutality.

While speaking at a press conference at Okoa Kenya offices on November 19, 2017, Raila Odinga condemned the violence and held President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto responsible for the deaths.

“Uhuru and Ruto must take responsibility for the deaths. We have visited City Mortuary, where there are 15 bodies, and were told three more are at Chiromo Mortuary, all with gunshot wounds, yet records indicate mob justice,” said Raila.

He vowed to ensure dignified burials for those killed and promised to announce NASA’s next steps to “reclaim and defend democracy” in the coming days.