🔗 Share this article

Four people perished in Kenya's capital when security forces opened fire and used teargas to disperse massive crowds at a sports arena where political figure Raila Odinga's remains was displayed for homage.

National Leader Mourned

The statesman, who had been a prominent player in the country's governance for a long period, succumbed on Wednesday at 80 years old while undergoing healthcare in the subcontinent.

He campaigned vigorously for political pluralism, and we are enjoying those liberties today because of his struggle.

Turmoil Breaks Out at Stadium

Numerous supporters congregated on roadways from dawn, with disorder breaking out when enormous throng forced open a gate at the city's central arena, causing soldiers to fire in the air.

• Two people lost their lives to gunfire at the stadium
• Death toll later rose to 4
• Many persons were hurt
• Law enforcement employed irritants to disperse numerous mourners

Airport Incident and Government Building Situation

During the morning, thousands of mourners temporarily invaded Nairobi's international airport, interrupting a ceremony where the nation's leader and dignitaries were welcoming Odinga's body with formal recognition.

This event caused a brief stoppage of aviation services.

Crowds also overwhelmed nearby roads and tried to enter parliament, where the administration had initially planned the public viewing.

National Impact and Ethnic Support

Although primarily recognized as an government critic, Odinga served as prime minister in 2008 and also struck a agreement with the leader last year in a career marked by changing partnerships.

He inspired strong loyalty among adherents, particularly in his ethnic group based in the nation's western region, many of whom maintain he was prevented from obtaining the highest office by electoral fraud.

Countless of Odinga's supporters, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya became a multi-party democracy, expressed respect to Odinga's work as an campaigner.