🔗 Share this article

A quartet of persons perished in Kenya's capital when security forces opened fire and employed chemical irritants to break up enormous assemblies at a sports arena where political figure Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.

Political Figure Honored

The politician, who was a major force in Kenyan politics for a long period, passed away on midweek at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in India.

He fought tirelessly for democratic systems, and we benefit from those liberties today because of his efforts.

Turmoil Unfolds at Stadium

Thousands followers assembled on the streets from early morning, with chaos erupting when massive group forced open a gate at the city's central arena, leading to soldiers to fire in the air.

• Two people perished from bullets at the stadium
• Death toll subsequently increased to 4
• Numerous people were hurt
• Law enforcement deployed chemical agents to clear thousands attendees

Aviation Hub Event and Government Building Standoff

During the morning, countless of supporters momentarily entered Nairobi's international airport, interrupting a formal proceeding where President William Ruto and dignitaries were receiving Odinga's body with armed forces tribute.

This event prompted a brief stoppage of airport operations.

Assemblies also overwhelmed surrounding thoroughfares and tried to enter the government complex, where the authorities had initially planned the public viewing.

Political Impact and Ethnic Backing

Though mainly known as an opposition figure, Odinga served as prime minister in 2008 and also struck a alliance with the leader last year in a career characterized by evolving coalitions.

He inspired intense commitment among supporters, especially in his Luo community based in the nation's western region, many of whom maintain he was denied the presidency by vote manipulation.

Many of Odinga's supporters, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a multi-faction governance, paid tribute to Odinga's efforts as an campaigner.