Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged to clear hospital and mortuary bills and provide legal support to the families of victims who were shot by security officers during the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, last Thursday.
Speaking to the press in Nairobi on Tuesday, Sonko said he would personally cater for all expenses, including transportation of the bodies to the victims’ homes and other financial needs, as part of his commitment to stand with the bereaved families.
Sonko criticised both the government and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for their silence on the incident, calling for swift investigations and justice for the victims.
Additionally, he demanded accountability for those who gave orders that led to the use of live ammunition against mourners.
“I think these families need justice, and whatever happened there was unacceptable, especially for the person who gave orders for innocent mourners to be shot at. IPOA should move with speed on the matter, as we have not heard their action on the same,” Sonko stated.
The former governor further dismissed claims that his intervention was politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections, saying his concern was purely humanitarian.
At the same time, he insisted that politics should not stand in the way of compassion and justice for grieving families, despite what some politicians wanted to suggest.
“As the former Governor of this capital city, I have said that it is a no for Kenyans whose only offence was to come to mourn Baba to be shot and killed like that. We need justice for all the deceased,” he added.
Sonko went on to issue an ultimatum to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), stating that if the organisation and the government fail to take up the matter, he would hire lawyers to represent the affected families in court.
“If LSK does not take action, I will hire lawyers on behalf of the families so that they can get justice. This is not just for PR. There is no one who is here to stand with these families,” he said.
The former governor also criticised senior politicians for seeking visibility at Raila Odinga’s memorial services while remaining silent on the Kasarani shooting.
He challenged them to show solidarity with the victims instead of focusing on political optics.
Meanwhile, an autopsy report released on Tuesday revealed that the three succumbed to gunshot wounds.
